Farmers need greater clarity and more support to make the changes required to address climate change and biodiversity loss, according to a new report.
The study from the Just Transition Commission – which warns that Ireland has entered a critical period for deciding the future of food, agriculture, and land-use – recommends measures such as long-term funding mechanisms for farmers and payments for ecosystem service “to ensure the transition to climate neutrality is fair”.
The “Towards a Just Transition in Agriculture and Land Use” report acknowledges that “many farmers are already taking significant steps to reduce emissions, improve efficiency and participate in environmental schemes”.
But it added that their “willingness to act is increasingly being undermined by uncertainty about future policy, land-use priorities and long-term investment supports”.
The Commission says the Government “must now provide a clear long-term direction so farmers, communities and businesses can plan with confidence”.
Included in the ten recommendations is “long-term, accessible and equitable funding mechanisms to support farmers and landowners undertaking climate action, nature restoration and generational land-use change”.
The Commission also wants to see rewards for agricultural and land-use policies that provide “fair and adequate financial recognition for the delivery of climate, biodiversity and ecosystem benefits, including through payments for ecosystem services”.
Meanwhile, the report says research and advisory services need to be strengthened to better equip farmers and those working in agriculture and rural communities to make the changes needed for the transition to climate neutrality.
Another recommendation covers the “urgent need for the convening by Government of a national dialogue to develop a shared long-term vision for Irish agriculture, land use and thriving rural communities”.
It also calls for “diverse and active farming systems” such as low-intensity farming, as well as for the development of a “comprehensive strategy” for generational renewal – including targeted supports for young farmers and measures to improve access to land for new entrants.
Commenting on its research, Chair of the Just Transition Commission Ali Sheridan said that “many farmers are already taking steps to reduce emissions, improve efficiency and participate in environmental schemes”.
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“However, there remains significant uncertainty regarding the future direction of agricultural policy, land-use priorities and the long-term supports that will be available to support transition,” she said.
Ms Sheridan added that the Commission “believes that providing greater clarity on the pathway ahead is now an urgent priority”.
“As climate risks increase and significant policy decisions approach, prolonged uncertainty risks undermining confidence, delaying investment and weakening trust in the transition process. A clear, credible and shared direction of travel will be essential if Ireland is to maintain public trust and deliver a transition that is both effective and fair,” she stated.
The Just Transition Commission is an independent advisory body providing the Government with advice to inform policy planning related to a just transition across sectors.
