Carbon Farming in Ireland: A Blueprint for Regenerative Agriculture

News

11/02/2025

Climate

EIT Climate KIC, as part of Project Credible, is organizing the 2nd European Carbon Farming Summit, set to take place in Dublin, Ireland, from 4 to 6 March 2025. The summit, held in partnership with the Government of Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), aims to transition carbon farming from theory to practice.

Ireland is emerging as a leader in agricultural innovation, particularly in practices that enhance carbon sequestration in soil and plants to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions—commonly referred to as carbon farming. The Irish government is developing national guiding principles that integrate carbon sequestration with broader environmental benefits, including biodiversity conservation and water quality improvement. With strong policy direction and collaboration with Climate KIC through the Deep Demonstration partnership, Ireland is making significant strides toward implementing a comprehensive and results-driven carbon farming system.

To gain insights into Ireland’s challenges, progress, and outlook, we spoke with DAFM’s Bernard Harris, Agricultural Inspector, and John Mounsey, Assistant Agricultural Inspector. Our discussion centered on the development of the Irish carbon farming framework, its alignment with EU policies, and expectations for the upcoming Carbon Farming Summit in Dublin.

A Policy Commitment Despite Political Change

Changes in government can often impact climate action policies. However, Ireland’s commitment to transforming its agri-food system remains steadfast. Policymakers acknowledge the importance of developing a carbon farming framework that is both ambitious and achievable—ensuring long-term benefits for both farmers and the environment.

Developing the framework has been a core commitment of the government under the Climate Action Plan, and remains a commitment under the recently published Programme for Government.

Beyond Carbon Removals

Although inspired by global best practices, Ireland’s approach to carbon farming extends beyond traditional carbon removals. It also incorporates emission reductions from soils, fertilizers, livestock, and fossil fuel use.

We’re ensuring strong alignment with the European Union’s Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming (CRCF) regulation, while evaluating the opportunity to broaden the scope to include livestock emission reductions, which may be formally included after July 2026. Our guiding principles are based on the Integrity Council’s core carbon principles – such as transparency, additionality, and monitoring, reporting, and verification – but we’ve also introduced two Ireland-specific principles: ‘just transition’ and ‘learning by doing.’
John Mounsey, Assistant Agricultural Inspector, Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The ‘learning by doing’ principle is particularly important. Instead of waiting for a perfect system, we need to start implementing and improving along the way. Our work with Climate KIC has reinforced this approach – emphasising the urgency of action while allowing flexibility for refinement.
Bernard Harris, Agricultural Inspector, Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Ensuring a Just Transition for Farmers

With agriculture accounting for 38% of Ireland’s national emissions, the carbon farming framework is designed to support farmers in transitioning to low-emission, sustainable agricultural practices.

A key focus is ensuring that no one is left behind. Ireland’s agricultural landscape is diverse, with a high proportion of family farms and part-time farmers. Creating opportunities that are fair and accessible to all is essential.

Our approach is holistic, covering dairy, beef, tillage, and mixed farming. We aim to provide a ‘menu of opportunities’ that align with different farm types. With European Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in the process of commencing negotiation soon, carbon farming can offer a potential new income stream for farmers.
Bernard Harris, Agricultural Inspector, Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Ireland’s Alignment with the EU

Ireland was an early mover in developing a carbon farming framework while the EU’s CRCF was still evolving. Over time, the two approaches have aligned. Initially, the CRCF’s focus was quite narrow, but with contributions from all EU member states, it has expanded to include livestock emission reductions. This aligns well with the approach of integrating both emission reductions and removals into a holistic framework.

Implementation Challenges

For carbon farming to succeed, robust monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems must be in place. Ireland already has strong research infrastructure, including Teagasc and the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF), which provide critical agricultural data. However, challenges remain.

Monitoring, reporting, and verification need to be cost-effective, feasible, and trusted by stakeholders. If monitoring costs are too high or if the financial return for farmers, landowners, or foresters is uncertain, participation will be limited. While a strong foundation exists with national data systems, transitioning to a fully operational certification process will require further development.

Moving from Theory to Practice

The upcoming European Carbon Farming Summit in Dublin offers a unique opportunity for Ireland to showcase its leadership in carbon farming and learn from international experiences. The summit comes at a crucial time, as interest in carbon farming continues to grow among farmers, landowners, and foresters. However, clearer guidance is needed to support their participation. Bringing together policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders, the summit will provide a platform to discuss practical strategies for implementation.

One of our key sessions focuses on how to integrate emissions reductions and removals into a ‘farm balance sheet’. We’re looking forward to engaging with international stakeholders and refining our approach based on shared insights.
Bernard Harris, Agricultural Inspector, Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Large-Scale Pilots and Market Readiness

The DAFM-Climate KIC partnership plans to test the framework with farmers as part of its second phase, running through 2027. The delivery of a pilot will address key questions: How can accuracy and cost be balanced in monitoring, reporting, and verification? Will the market support maintenance and biodiversity, or only additional carbon removals? Should a single national registry be established, or multiple accreditation bodies? These are all crucial considerations before full-scale implementation.

With strong governmental backing, a clear policy direction, and a commitment to practical application, Ireland’s carbon farming framework is poised to become a model for Europe and beyond.

In-person tickets for the 2nd European Carbon Farming Summit are now sold out!