The Commission believes that agriculture and land use are at a pivotal moment. The growing impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss, combined with major reforms of agricultural, land-use and environmental policy, mean that decisions taken over the coming years will have consequences for generations. This convergence of environmental necessity and policy opportunity presents a critical window to establish a shared vision for the future of Ireland’s food, land-use and rural systems.
The impacts of climate change are already being experienced across Ireland and are expected to intensify in the years ahead, increasing the urgency for coordinated and planned action. Ensuring that this transition is planned, fair and supported will be essential to maintaining public confidence and delivering positive outcomes for farmers, rural communities and society as a whole.
The Commission’s engagements highlighted the complexity of achieving a just transition in agriculture and land use. Farmers and rural communities are being asked to respond simultaneously to climate change, biodiversity loss, changing market conditions and evolving societal expectations, while continuing to produce food and sustain livelihoods.
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. However, there remains significant uncertainty regarding the future direction of agricultural policy, land-use priorities and the long-term supports that will be available to support transition.
The diversity of Irish agriculture was a recurring theme throughout the Commission’s engagements. Different farm systems, regions and communities face different opportunities and challenges. As a result, the impacts of transition, and the opportunities arising from it, are unlikely to be experienced equally. Policies that fail to recognise these differences risk exacerbating existing social, economic and regional inequalities.
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. Building that confidence will require long-term policy coherence, meaningful engagement with stakeholders and a shared vision for the future of agriculture, land use and rural Ireland.
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