The Climate Change Challenge Dr Avril Rothwell Climate

The Climate Change Challenge Dr. Avril Rothwell, Climate Change and Bioenergy Policy Division, DAFM 12 th October 2018

The Climate Change Challenge GHG Emissions: > 30% of GHG emissions from Agriculture EU agricultural emissions are approx. 10% GHG Targets: 20% emissions reduction by 2020; 30% by 2030 Ammonia targets: 1% reduction (2030); 5% reduction (>2030) Both GHG and ammonia emissions projected to increase by 2030 Sustainability is Key: Ambition to increase agriculture production while militating GHG emissions FW 2025 and feeding an increasing world population An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara │ Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Adaption challenges: Plant and animal diseases; stress to livestock; increases risk of flooding; Impact on planting, sowing, harvesting and spraying; water shortages; droughts Ammonia - Impact on ecosystems, health, financial, reduced N efficiency

National Emission Trends (% change 2016 v 1990) • Agriculture (excl. CO 2 combustion): 2. 4% below 1990 Source: EPA (2018) An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara │ Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine • Energy: 9. 8% above 1990 • Transport: 139% above 1990

Profile of Agriculture Emissions * Cultivation of organic soils, crop residues, mineralisation, deposition, leaching An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara │ Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Trends in NH 3 emissions 1990 -2016 ~116 kt (2016) Projected: 137 kt (2030); Target 107 kt *fuel included Source: EPA (2018) An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara │ Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Steps to reducing emissions from Agriculture On Farm Efficiencies/ Abatement measures Carbon Sequestration Energy Efficiencies/ Fossil fuel and energy intensive materials displacement and substitution An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara │ Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Grass as a feedstuff Grassland > 90% of total agricultural area Irish grassland’s can grow up to 10 -15 t of dry matter per hectare Utilising grass, reduces dependence on concentrate feeds many of which are imported Silage quality is key Research An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara │ Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Feeding stuffs An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara │ Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Climate Resilience Farm infrastructure: • Water supply • Farm roads • Manure storage https: //www. safefood. eu An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara │ Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Research & Innovation An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara │ Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Conclusions Agriculture is a contributor to climate change, and is also impacted by climate change Complexity of Irish agricultural production systems Exploring feeding strategies that maximise the efficiency of grass based production systems On-going research and innovation Long-time frame to see position meaningful results An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara │ Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Thank you Contact details for information & queries: climatechange@agriculture. gov. ie https: //www. agriculture. gov. ie/ruralenvironment/climatechange/ An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara │ Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine