Farmers need greater clarity and funding supports for the changes necessary to address climate change and biodiversity loss.

That's according to a new report published today (Thursday, July 16) by the Just Transition Commission.

The new report recommends long-term funding mechanisms for farmers, payments for ecosystem services and embedding gender equality in policy to ensure the transition to climate neutrality is fair for farmers, rural communities and future generations.

The Just Transition Commission has warned that Ireland has entered a critical period for deciding the future of its food, agriculture and land-use systems.

With climate impacts intensifying, biodiversity loss continuing and major national and European policy reforms underway, the commission said decisions taken over the coming years will shape rural Ireland, food production and land use for generations.

It argues that the government must now provide a clear long-term direction so farmers, communities and businesses can plan with confidence.

Just Transition recommendations

The 'Towards a Just Transition in Agriculture and Land Use' report recognises that many farmers are already taking significant steps to reduce emissions, improve efficiency and participate in environmental schemes.

However, it concludes that willingness to act is increasingly being undermined by uncertainty about future policy, land-use priorities and long-term investment supports.

The commission argued that greater clarity is now essential if Ireland is to deliver a planned, fair and effective transition.

The commission outlines 10 recommendations in the report as follows:

A National Dialogue on the future of agriculture and land use

The urgent need for the convening by the government of a national dialogue to develop a shared long-term vision for Irish agriculture, land use and thriving rural communities, grounded in the Just Transition Principles.

Long-term and equitable funding for climate action and land-use change

Long-term, accessible and equitable funding mechanisms to support farmers and landowners undertaking climate action, nature restoration and generational land-use change.

Rewarding climate, nature and ecosystem services

Agricultural and land-use policies should provide fair and adequate financial recognition for the delivery of climate, biodiversity and ecosystem benefits, including through payments for ecosystem services.

Skills, advisory services and community capacity for a Just Transition

The strengthening by the government of research, advisory services and community-led capacity-building initiatives to equip farmers, farm workers, agricultural contractors and rural communities with the skills and knowledge required for the transition to climate neutrality.

Strategic land-use planning and evidence-based policy

The provision of clarity by the government on how the findings of Phase 2 of the Land-Use Review will inform future land-use policy and decision-making as part of an integrated approach to achieving climate, biodiversity and rural development objectives.

Supporting diverse and active farming systems

Agricultural policies and support schemes should recognise and support the diversity of active farming systems and rural livelihoods, including low-intensity farming and the provision of ecosystem services.

Generational renewal and access to farming

The development and implementation by the government of a comprehensive strategy for generational renewal, including targeted supports for young farmers and measures to improve access to land for new entrants.

Gender equality and inclusive participation

The report urged that gender equality be embedded across agricultural policy, support schemes, advisory services and future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reforms to ensure equitable access and participation throughout the sector.

Diversification and market development

The commission recommended that the government and stakeholders should work together to strengthen market demand, develop routes to market and reduce barriers to diversification in agriculture.

Fair governance, markets and rural participation

The report recommends that governance, regulatory and market frameworks should support a just transition through fair carbon farming arrangements, strengthened regulatory oversight, the use of public procurement, the development of cooperative models and enhanced local participation in food and land-use decision-making.

Commenting on the Agriculture and Land Use Report, chair of the Just Transition Commission, Ali Sheridan said: “During our engagements for this report, the commission heard a broad recognition that change is necessary and that agriculture has an important role to play in achieving Ireland’s climate and environmental objectives.

"Many farmers are already taking steps to reduce emissions, improve efficiency and participate in environmental schemes.

"The commission also heard that farmers are more likely to engage with climate and biodiversity measures where there is clarity, fairness and confidence that their contribution will be recognised and rewarded," she added.

The Just Transition Commission said it believes that providing greater clarity on the pathway ahead is now an urgent priority.

Sheridan added: “This report is about more than agriculture. It is about the future of Ireland’s food system, how we use our land, the resilience of rural communities, biodiversity, water, and the opportunities available to future generations.

"They are increasingly interconnected and require a shared national vision."

About the report

As part of its review of agriculture and land use in the context of the climate transition, the Just Transition Commission engaged with government officials, experts, farmers, representatives of rural communities, and organisations representing vulnerable or impacted groups to better understand how just transition considerations are being integrated into policy and practice.

In developing the report, the commission explored existing evidence base which was complemented by the commission’s own programme of engagement with government officials, researchers, farmers, representative organisations, rural communities and other stakeholders.

The commission’s deliberations also drew on the diverse expertise of its members, bringing together experience from farming, business, trade unions, environmental organisations, community and voluntary organisations, academia and public policy.