Carlow farmers need clarity to manage shift to climate neutrality - report

FARMERS in Carlow and across the country need greater clarity and long-term support to manage the shift to climate neutrality, according to a new report from the Just Transition Commission.

The report, Towards a just transition in agriculture and land use, warns that Ireland is at a critical juncture for its food, agriculture and land-use systems, with extreme weather events becoming more frequent and major policy reforms ‒ including the climate action plan and land use review ‒ due to be decided in the coming months.

While many farmers, including those in Carlow, Laois and Kildare, are already reducing emissions and taking part in environmental schemes, the commission found that uncertainty over future policy and funding is undermining willingness to go further.

The report sets out ten recommendations, including the need for the government to convene a shared long-term vision for Irish agriculture, long-term funding mechanisms for climate and nature restoration work and payments for farmers who deliver ecosystem services.

Other recommendations focus on generational renewal and support for new entrants to farming, gender equality in agricultural policy and stronger supports for diversification and market development.

Commission chair Ali Sheridan said farmers were more likely to engage with climate measures where there was “clarity, fairness and confidence that their contribution will be recognised and rewarded”, warning that continued uncertainty risks delaying investment and weakening trust in the process.