Donegal farmers need greater clarity and supports to address climate change

The Just Transition Commission has published a new report warning 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 says decisions taken over the coming years will shape rural Ireland, food production and land use for generations.

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

The report is published as Ireland experiences more frequent extreme weather events and as Government prepares major decisions on the Climate Action Plan, implementation of the Land Use Review and the future direction of agricultural policy.

The report builds on the Commission’s earlier calls for a National Just Transition Strategy and a National Climate Dialogue, and its wider work on embedding just transition principles into the design and delivery of climate policy across Ireland’s economy.

The Towards a Just Transition in Agriculture and Land Use report recognises that many farmers, including those in Donegal, 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 argues that greater clarity is now essential if Ireland is to deliver a planned, fair and effective transition.

The Commission – whose members include Donegal’s Michelle Murphy, research and policy analyst with Social Justice Ireland, who lives in Glenswilly – outlines 10 recommendations in its agriculture and land use report as follows:

1. A National Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture and Land Use: The urgent need for the convening by 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Skills, Advisory Services and Community Capacity for a Just Transition: The strengthening by 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.

5. Strategic Land-Use Planning and Evidence-Based Policy: The provision of clarity by 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.

6. 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.

7. Generational Renewal and Access to Farming: The development and implementation by Government of a comprehensive strategy for generational renewal, including targeted supports for young farmers and measures to improve access to land for new entrants.

8. Gender Equality and Inclusive Participation: Gender equality should be embedded across agricultural policy, support schemes, advisory services and future CAP reforms to ensure equitable access and participation throughout the sector.

9. Diversification and Market Development: Government and stakeholders should work together to strengthen market demand, develop routes to market and reduce barriers to diversification in agriculture.

10. Fair Governance, Markets and Rural Participation: 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 co-operative models and enhanced local participation in food and land-use decision-making.

The full Towards a Just Transition in Agriculture and Land Use report is available at www.JustTransitionCommission.ie.