Methane produced by livestock looks set to be treated differently to other greenhouse gases (GHGs) judging by the draft programme for government agreed by Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party on Monday.

“The special economic and social role of agriculture and the distinct characteristics of biogenic methane as described by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) will be fully recognised in plans to achieve these [carbon reduction] targets,” states the programme for government document.

In essence, this means emissions from agriculture, particularly methane, will be treated differently when it comes to setting emissions reduction targets for each sector.

Reduce emissions

The three parties have agreed to reduce carbon emissions in Ireland by an average of 7% per annum from 2021 up to 2030, which would result in a 51% cut in Ireland’s total GHG emissions.

Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Greens say they will introduce a climate bill within the first 100 days of government. The climate bill will set legally binding five-year carbon budgets for each sector, including agriculture.

In order to deliver a reduction in agricultural emissions, the programme for government document states that the next government will build on Ireland’s “relative carbon efficiency in food production and ensuring the delivery of the measures identified by Teagasc to the fullest extent possible”.

The document states that further research will be undertaken to improve animal breeding programmes

The document also states that the next government will invest in a major programme of R&D research work in areas such as the bioeconomy, green hydrogen and the development of floating offshore wind turbines in the Atlantic.

In relation to agriculture, the document states that further research will be undertaken to improve animal breeding programmes, investigate feed additives that reduce methane in cattle, prioritise agroforestry research and investigate how best to rewet peat soils, as well as improving nutrient management work.

Incentives

The programme for government also states that Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Greens will incentivise micro generators of renewable energy such as solar and potentially small-scale wind on farms.

The document also states that the parties will explore opportunities for anaerobic digestion on farms, as well as how to increase the scale of organic farming in Ireland.

Other proposals in the programme for government document include a ban on the importation of new and second-hand diesel cars by 2030, along with the establishment of the Climate Action Council on an independent statutory footing.

The document also proposes to ensure greater gender balance and increased scientific expertise in the membership of the climate council.