Ireland’s Provisional Greenhouse Gas Emissions 1990-2024 report published today, 4th July, by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has pointed to a reduction of 1.7% in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from Irish agriculture in 2024. Ireland’s total GHG emissions (excluding LULUCF) decreased by 2% on 2023 levels.
Agricultural emissions fell by 0.346 MtCO2e (1.7%) in 2024, to stand at 20.41 MtCO2e, primarily due to reduced cattle numbers. A 10.6% increase in fertiliser nitrogen use partially diminished the impact of reduced cattle numbers on emissions.
The three primary greenhouse gases of concern for the agricultural sector are methane, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide. Methane emissions have decreased by 2.9% since 2023, while nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide have increased by 1.2% and 2.8%, respectively.
Agriculture contributed 38% of Ireland’s GHG emissions in 2024. Compared to the 2018 baseline for the 2030 Climate Action Plan target, agriculture emissions have decreased by almost 1.0 MtCO2e (4.6%).
Head of the Teagasc Climate Centre, Dr Karl Richards said; “Compared to 2018, farmers have reduced nitrogen fertiliser use, but its usage increased in 2024, contributing to the increase in nitrous oxide emissions. Protected urea use has increased rapidly from zero in 2018, to almost one third of straight nitrogen fertiliser sales in 2024. We need to continue to focus on technologies to both reduce our reliance on nitrogen fertiliser, while also switching to lower emission nitrogen products.”
Dr Tom O’Dwyer, Head of the Teagasc Signpost Programme said; “We must keep the focus on maintaining reduced nitrogen (N) fertiliser use. This is achieved through nutrient management planning, following agronomic advice to ensure optimal soil fertility through lime application, recycling animal manures, application of chemical Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K), clover and grassland management. It is concerning that less lime was spread in both 2023 and 2024 compared to previous years, and that the purchase of fertiliser P and K also declined in both 2023 and 2024.
Optimising soil fertility will support lower fertiliser N usage, while also optimising conditions for grass and clover performance. Increasing the adoption of protected urea from the current 30% to over 80% is a challenge for the entire sector.”
As well as taking steps to reduce nitrous oxide emissions, farmers also need to take steps to reduce methane emissions from their farming activities. There are two key measures that farmers can employ now on their farms to reduce methane: improving EBI and reducing the age at which animals are finished. Between 2010 and 2022 the average finishing age of prime beef cattle reduced from 27.9 to 25.6 months, but this trend stalled in 2023 and 2024. Challenging weather conditions, combined with a reduction in the number of young bulls being produced, increased average finishing age to 26.5 months in 2024.
Dr Paul Crosson, Beef Enterprise leader in Teagasc said; “Reducing finishing age for beef cattle is an essential element for Irish agriculture to meet its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. Key to this is increasing live weight gain of beef cattle, which also improves farm profitability. This must be a key focus for all in the beef industry.”
Research across the Teagasc Climate Centre continues to identify new technologies to reduce emissions. Dr Richards said, “Increased research across the Teagasc Climate Centre has identified feed additives and slurry amendments that can significantly reduce methane emissions on Irish farms. They are both on the point of being commercially available for use by farmers. But financial incentives, or subsidies, will be required to incentivise their use by farmers and business models are urgently needed to ensure timely adoption in the near future.”
For More information see:
https://teagasc.ie/environment/climate-centre/
https://teagasc.ie/environment/climate-change--air-quality/signpost-programme/
https://www.epa.ie/publications/monitoring--assessment/climate-change/air-emissions/EPA-Provisional-1990-2024-GHG-Report-Final.pdf