Long-term land leases provide farmers with security to invest in better environmental practices, such as water quality management.

That's according to a new report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The report found that insecure land tenure “remains a significant impediment to the adoption of water quality-enhancing practices for sustainable land management in Ireland”.

It added that implementing further tax incentives to promote long-term land leases can provide farmers with the “security needed to invest in environmental sustainability, which could include practices beneficial for water quality management”.

“Policies should focus on creating a more stable and secure environment for farmers to invest in sustainable practices," it said.

According to the EPA, this approach would not only incentivise sustainable land use but also ensure that “environmental considerations, such as water quality and biodiversity conservation, are integral to land management strategies”.  

In addition, it said, policies should emphasise the importance of environmental stewardship in land-leasing agreements.

“By linking access to government grants with the adoption of environmentally sustainable practices, such as those aimed at improving water quality, farmers may be more inclined to adopt these practices, even in the context of insecure land tenure,” it added.

The report also stated that “providing secure, long-term land leases can enhance farmers’ ability to invest in productive fixed assets”.

“This would not only foster environmental stewardship but also contribute to the sustainability of agricultural practices.”

Obstacles and suggestions

The report goes on to quote the EPA's greenhouse gas emissions figures for the agricultural sector for 2025.

It said: “Agriculture, accounting for Ireland’s predominant land use, contributes to and shares responsibility for 37.8% of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions, two declines in air and water quality, and biodiversity loss.

There are various forms of land use change encouraged by the government, including afforestation and agroforestry; the restoration and rewetting of peatlands; regenerative, agroecological and organic agriculture; water quality management practices; and renewable energy generation.

According to the report, obstructions to farmers adopting these land use changes include:

Financial and economic pressures;
Administrative complexity, bureaucracy and inflexibility;
Institutional and structural limitations (including market and infrastructure limitations);
Insecure land tenure and succession (limiting long-term land use changes or investments).

The EPA also cited behavioural impediments, including personal and cultural attitudes and beliefs; control concerns and autonomy; risk aversion; and social identity and cultural values.

The authority suggested a number of interventions to overcome these obstacles, including improving supports and incentives, simplifying administrative procedures; enhancing market access and infrastructure; and improving land tenure security.

It also recommends building trust and confidence in schemes including place-based approaches; increasing knowledge and awareness; expanding tailored advisory services and support networks; and enhancing education and training.