Farming and the agri-food sector as a whole is a hugely important aspect of our economy but also our society. It is a sector that drives economic growth in every rural parish in every county.
Food Vision 2030, Ireland’s shared strategy for the agri-food sector, has the potential to transform our agriculture, food, forestry and marine sectors, with environmental, economic and social sustainability at its core. Food Vision aims for Ireland to be “A World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems”. Food Vision’s goals are grouped around four high-level missions for the sector:1. A Climate Smart, Environmentally Sustainable Agri-Food Sector2. Viable and Resilient Primary Producers with Enhanced Well-Being3. Food that is Safe, Nutritious and Appealing, Trusted and Valued at Home and Abroad4. An Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Agri-Food Sector, Driven by Technology & Talent.
The Government recognises the vital role that agri-food plays in Ireland. This is evident in the strong support provided to farmers, fishers and the sector generally, and in the level of importance that the Government places on achieving our economic, environmental and social sustainability goals. Our CAP Strategic Plan will support farmers to transition to more sustainable practices while also support farm incomes, with a budget €9.8bn. Significant funding has been provided including €1.5bn for the new Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES), a five-fold increase in funding for organic farming to €256m to triple the area under organics to 7.5% of utilisable agricultural area, and €260m to improve the carbon efficiency of the suckler herd through genetic improvement (the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme - SCEP).
The Climate Action Plan 2023 sets outs how Ireland can accelerate the actions that are required to respond to the climate crisis, putting climate solutions at the centre of Ireland’s social and economic development. The significant actions for agriculture in this plan provide a viable pathway to achieve a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions for agriculture by 2030. These actions are in line with achieving a 51% reduction in Ireland’s overall GHG emissions by 2030, and net-zero emissions no later than 2050.
The Plan commits the agriculture sector to strong climate action. In agriculture, the focus is on reducing nitrogen and methane emissions, while increasing carbon capture and storage and contributing in a positive way to the decarbonisation of the energy system. Technological innovation, adoption and research are crucial in achieving the emissions reductions in the agriculture and land-use sectors. Diversification opportunities like anaerobic digestion, forestry and tillage will also provide opportunities for farmers who wish to consider alternative income sources to livestock farming.
With a rapidly evolving marketplace seeking confirmation of our sustainability credentials, farmers have engaged proactively in recent years in improving the carbon footprint of their produce, as measured through the Origin Green programme. Irish farmers are committed to ensuring that they farm in a sustainable way. This commitment will contribute to a vibrant rural economy for generations to come. Irish farmers are innovative, resilient and already committed to working together to find solutions in the face of this enormous challenge. The ambition is now being stepped up to ensure that there is a bright and sustainable future for our farm families for this and subsequent generations.
