The Irish Natura Hill Farmers’ Association (INHFA) has said that it is concerned that commitments given on the Nature Restoration Law (NRL) may be undermined through the introduction of a carbon tax on peat soils.
In the development of the controversial law, INHFA president Vincent Roddy said “commitments were given to farmers on drained peat soils and those farming our uplands that any farmer engagement will be on a voluntary basis”.
“This was also confirmed in a Dáil motion brought by Deputy Denis Naughten last June. The motion which was overwhelmingly endorsed by the Dáil deputies present, confirmed that any actions would be on a voluntary basis, while also ensuring that these lands can continue to be defined as an agricultural area under CAP programmes.
“While these commitments are critical, their intention could be undermined through the introduction of a carbon tax on these lands,” Roddy added.
Assessment of peat soils
The INHFA president said that over the last number of years, there have been various assessments on what level of carbon has been emitted from drained peatlands and the wet and dry heaths that cover most of hills.
These figures have ranged from 10/t/ha/year up to 30t/ha/year and the farm organisations has said that it is expected that ongoing research by Teagasc will provide more definite figures on these areas in the coming 18 months.
“This research is critical with the hope and expectation being that the level of emissions will be on the lower side especially on our hills,” Roddy continued.
“However even at 10t/ha, any carbon tax applied here would be devastating for farmers as the current carbon tax rate for 2024 is €56/t of carbon dioxide, with this set to increase to €100/t by 2030.
“In this scenario farmers would be forced to consider rewetting or other restoration options as they couldn’t afford such a punitive tax.”
As we move into the last days of the General Election, Roddy has called on all political parties “to give rock solid commitments that if in government, they will not impose any carbon tax on lands”.
The INHFA has stressed the need for politicians and the state to ensure the voluntary commitments given around the NRL are honoured, that all lands subject to the law continue to be defined as agricultural areas and that no attempt will be made to “coerce” farmers through a carbon land tax.