Ireland's Dairy Dilemma: Navigating Sustainability and Economic Resilience
Ireland’s rich agricultural heritage and lush pastures establish it as a formidable player in the global dairy industry. However, agriculture is responsible for nearly 38% of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions, starkly above the EU average. This situation presses Ireland’s expanding dairy sector to evolve in line with the nation’s climate ambitions.
Environmental Defense Fund Europe (EDF Europe) and EIT Climate-KIC have embarked on a collaborative endeavor to forge a sustainable vision for dairy, intending to establish a model that harmonizes climate action with the economic resilience of rural communities.
A framework for sustainable dairy in Ireland
Dairy remains the economic powerhouse for rural Ireland, generating almost 60% of farm income, despite representing less than 15% of farms. This financial success, distributing €6.4 billion ($7.4 billion) in exports, has an environmental toll. Addressing this, EDF Europe and Climate-KIC have proposed a framework aimed at reducing high agricultural emissions, particularly methane emissions from livestock.
Working closely with farmers
The "four returns" model forms the core of this framework, prioritizing not just economic and environmental outcomes but also social and inspirational impacts. Initial research indicates farmers prioritize profitability, lifestyle, biodiversity, and a broader farm system approach over narrow metrics.
With initial funding secured, implementation is gearing to start in 2025, focusing on methane-reducing innovations and overcoming adoption barriers through tangible solutions.
What’s next for Ireland?
A National Carbon Farming Framework, aligning with the EU’s Carbon Removal Certification Framework, promises opportunity for Irish dairy farmers to emerge as climate stewards. This framework will emphasize methane reduction, biodiversity, and water quality improvements.
As Ireland stands at this pivotal juncture, support for farmers and cooperatives becomes crucial to ensuring a just transition, balancing economic livelihoods with significant climate progress.
