Climate & Environment

Farmers to get lower carbon target with review in 2025

The compromise target is likely to be agreed after backbench rural TDs threatened to resign their party whips, but it could be raised if methane-inhibiting technologies prove viable

The size of the national herd can be maintained while cutting emissions by improving animal breeding and adopting methane-reducing feed additives, according to Barry Cowen of Fianna Fáil. Picture: Getty

Farmers will be assigned a lower short-term emissions target with a caveat that it could be raised higher later in the decade if methane-inhibiting technologies prove viable, the Business Post understands.

The move is emerging as the most likely compromise resolution to the stand-off over the carbon budget ceiling for agriculture.

In return for the lower emissions target, farmers would also be asked to commit to investing in rooftop solar panels on farm sheds and ...