Stronger Support for Emission Reduction Measures in Agriculture Needed Urgently

Reacting to the EPA report which shows a reduction of 1.7% in agricultural emissions in 2024, IFA Environment Chair John Murphy said that balancing food production with the accelerated adoption of reduction measures must be the long-term climate action strategy for the sector.

“What we need is targeted support to help farmers implement practical, science-based strategies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining food production and safeguarding rural livelihoods.”

According to the latest EPA data, total agricultural emissions in 2024 were 20.4m tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO₂eq), representing a 1.7% decrease compared to 2023.

Mr. Murphy emphasised the critical role of agriculture in Ireland’s economy – particularly in rural areas – and called for urgent policy action.

“We need meaningful incentives and financial support schemes to accelerate the uptake of emissions mitigation measures on farms. These supports must be a priority in the upcoming Budget,” he said.

He added that timely and effective climate action in agriculture is not just a legal requirement, but a strategic investment in Ireland’s economic and social future. “Helping farmers take action now is both sensible and cost-effective. It also protects the State from potentially significant EU fines.”

Mr. Murphy pointed to a number of cost-effective and high-impact measures outlined in the Climate Action Plan 2025 and highlighted by the Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC), which must be urgently supported through Government policy.

These include:

• Adoption of approved feed additives for housed animals and incorporation of additives into slurry to reduce emissions.
• Encouraging earlier finishing of livestock by reaching target carcase weights sooner.
• Developing a robust support framework to enable a farmer-led, agri-centric approach to biomethane production.

“To overcome barriers such as high upfront costs, technical complexity, and uncertainty around new technologies, farmers must be supported now to take decisive climate action. Without this support, we risk undermining both our climate goals and the future of Irish agriculture,” he concluded.