Sustaining our future

As the world grapples with climate change, food, agriculture, and water have taken centre stage at COP29. Addressing the climate-related challenges in these sectors is crucial as they support life on earth.

Recent years have seen policy finally starting to address sustainability in these sectors. EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP): 2023-27 supports sustainable farming practices and aligns with the European Green Deal which aims to create a sustainable food system for instance through reducing the environmental footprint of food production, promoting biodiversity through the establishment of protected areas and nature restoration targets, as well as reducing pesticide use.

The Farm to Fork Strategy, a core component of the Green Deal, targets a 50% reduction in the use and risk of chemical pesticides by 2030.  New regulations such as the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and Water Framework Directive further the practice of sustainable land use and water management, aligning with broader environmental goals.[1]

In Ireland, the domestic agri-food sector is working to reduce emissions to comply with national and EU regulations and supply chain pressures. The sector has adopted innovative practices like using natural fertilisers, locally sourced livestock feed, and a nationwide carbon farming scheme. This scheme incentivises sustainable practices to enhance carbon sequestration, particularly through forests and grasslands. ^[2] Despite an increase in herd sizes in 2022, total and per hectare greenhouse gas emissions on average dairy, cattle, sheep, and tillage farms declined due to reduced use of chemical nitrogen fertilisers.^[3] However, the sector still faces challenges with an aging farmer population, low-income levels^[4], and the need to further decarbonise. In 2023, the sector was responsible for 37.8%^[5] of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions, which must be reduced by 25% by 2030.

Ireland’s Food Vision 2030^[6] and Climate Action Plan 2024^[7] aim to establish sustainable food systems and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. These initiatives focus on climate-smart agriculture, biodiversity, water quality (supported by the Nitrates Action Programme^[8]) and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Water Action Plan 2024, Ireland’s third River Basin Management Plan, outlines strategies to protect and improve water quality. ^[9] Ireland’s Land Use Review aligns with global efforts to transform agrifood systems and emphasises the importance of financial investment in achieving climate goals. Phase 1 assessed current land use practices and their environmental impacts, while phase 2 explores the role of private finance in delivering sustainable land use outcomes. ^[10],[11]

Placing the Irish agri-food industry on a sustainable pathway will enhance its resilience against climate risks and contribute to Ireland’s overall emissions reduction efforts. By decarbonising its agricultural products, Ireland can support the global decarbonisation of agricultural consumption.