Transforming agricultural practices and land use can be part of the solution to tackling urgent climate change and biodiversity loss here, but any ambitious transition will require all stakeholders to work together sharing the same vision.
That is according to the National Economic & Social Council (NESC) in a 150 page report published today.
While accepting the scale of the challenge is considerable and that the transition will be complex and demanding, the NESC has made some 20 recommendations to Government on how a just transition approach in these sectors can help Ireland reach its climate neutral economy goals by the end of 2050.
The Council's report finds that any just transition will involve a wide range of measures relating to shifts in land and soil management practices, as well as reducing emissions from livestock, and land-use change such as increasing forestry, on-farm renewable energy production and other bio-based products.
Agriculture is required to reduce its emissions by 25% by 2030.
Chief among the report's 20 recommendations is a call for the establishment of the Just Transition Commission as soon as possible and that agriculture and land-use should be amongst its priority focus.
The findings of the report should also be used to inform the Land Use Review and an implementation group set up to consider the report's detailed recommendations.
It also says a 'Just Transition in Agriculture & Land Use Fund' should be established as soon as possible, which would combine available carbon tax revenues and other public resources.
There should be a significant increase in the financial resources available from the EU, and public and private sources, to reward farmers for protecting and enhancing ecosystem services.
More research should be carried out on the opportunities and implications of a just transition for workers in the supply chain and downstream activity in these sectors.
It also calls for the scaling up of the farm advisory services with environmental objectives.
There should be more robust screening of policies and measures of transition in agriculture and land use, and greater compliance with regulations, the report suggests.
It also recognises that this transition will involve cost and it recommends the development of a strategy of sharing this among primary producers and along the supply chain.
The Council says this portfolio of recommendations can enable a transition that is socially inclusive and equitable, economically viable and environmentally resilient.
The report by the Council, which is the national advisory body to the Taoiseach and Government on strategic policy issues relating to sustainable economic, social and environmental development in Ireland, has been welcomed by the Government.
