Teagasc outline a series of measures to cut Irish farm GHG emissions

THE main reason why carbon emissions from agriculture is rising in Ireland is because of the increasing size of the national cattle herd since the abolition of milk quotas, according to Teagasc.

However, the national advisory body point out that milk production in Ireland has, along with Austria, the lowest carbon footprint in the EU.

In terms of beef production, Ireland has the fifth lowest carbon footprint in the EU – the reason for both those encouraging statistics is the fact that we essentially use grass to produce milk and meat.

The latest edition of the Teagasc TResearch magazine points out that agriculture in Ireland currently accounts for 33% of Irish greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

“Making agriculture more environmentally sustainable is good for the clean, green image of Irish agriculture which is an important factor that consumers consider when they choose to buy food from Ireland.

“Globally, consumers want food that has a low environmental impact and this could create new markets. Ireland is already highly regarded by consumers for the environment in which we produce food,” Teagasc conclude.

The TResearch feature outlines a number of strategies that farmers can adopt to reduce further their GHG emissions including nitrogen usage, slurry application, renewable energy, better farm management practices and tree planting.

As regards nitrogen fertiliser use, Teagasc recommend switching to ‘protected urea fertiliser’ that is specially treated to help to reduce the loss of nitrogen into the atmosphere.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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