Irish farmers are among those required to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 compared with 2005, according to new EU targets.

Ireland can achieve up to 5.6% of this through afforestation and improving crops and soil management – the second-highest such flexibility allowed to an EU member state.

Another 4% may come from transfers from heavy industry.

This leaves Ireland obliged to cut 20% of emissions across farming, transport, buildings, waste and light industries.

Ireland’s National Mitigation Plan aims to hold agricultural emissions at a steady level as production increases under the Food Wise 2025 strategy and make cuts in the other sectors.

IFA environment chair Thomas Cooney welcomed the flexibilities, saying they will allow carbon sequestered in soils and forestry to be taken into account for the first time.