NRN Publishes Report on Farm Level Actions to Reduce Climate Change Impacts

Climate change will impact significantly on farming in future in terms of actual climatic conditions and the measures which may be implemented to limit the greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change is defined by the EPA as a significant change in climate (e.g. temperature, rain, wind) for an extended period of decades or longer. Climate change can be attributed directly or indirectly to human activity. Climate change can occur as a result of increased emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities. Greenhouse gases are part of the atmosphere (both natural and those resulting from human activity) that absorb and re-emit infrared radiation which contributes to trapping heat. At farm level, there is a lack of knowledge and understanding of the impact that farm practices have on greenhouse gas emissions or on how practices can be changed in order to reduce the negative climatic impacts. In Ireland, the Food Harvest 2020 report has set ambitious targets for increased production/output across all of the main farm enterprises. While the Food Harvest 2020 report takes account of the greenhouse gas and other environmental implications of increased output, it also reflects the reality of conflicting economic and environmental objectives.

This research report was guided by a National Rural Network (NRN) working group which explored actions which could be undertaken at farm level. The specific aim of the research was to explore ‘farm level actions to reduce climate change impacts (taking account of the Food Harvest 2020 production targets)’. The scope of the report did not allow for conducting primary research and therefore the report was informed by national and international research and by the input, knowledge, experience and expertise of the members of the working group (and their respective organisations). The focus was kept deliberately narrow on the farm level actions to reduce emissions. While farmers will also need to adapt their practices to cope with the impacts of climate, this aspect is not addressed in this report.

The purpose of the report is to inform the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, other agencies and farmers on specific actions which could be taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at farm level. This report is one of a series undertaken by the NRN to develop the discussion around key issues of concern and importance in rural areas and propose practical changes to current policies/programmes/measures. [Read the full Report]