Teagasc has launched an ambitious programme to help farmers meet the challenge of climate change by supporting them to move towards more sustainable farming systems.
Working in partnership with 40 agri-businesses and agencies, the Teagasc Signpost Programme - Farmers for Climate Action, aims to identify environmentally friendly ways of reducing emissions while creating more profitable and sustainable farming.
Launching the programme, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the industry has a critical role to play in meeting the challenge of climate change.
"The Signpost programme will demonstrate solutions, how to optimise your on-farm decision making, for the benefit of both the planet and your pocket."
As well as supporting farmers to move towards more sustainable farming systems, up to 100 Signpost Farms will be recruited across the country to showcase best practice.
These will act as demonstration farms for the programme as well as sites for carbon sequestration measurements.
In time, these measurements will be taken into account by the Environmental Protection Agency as part of the national greenhouse gas inventory.
The five-year programme aims to achieve early progress in reducing gaseous emissions from Irish agriculture and also improve water quality, maintain and in some cases improve biodiversity, reduce costs and create more profitable and sustainable farming enterprises.
Teagasc Director Professor Gerry Boyle said the programme marked a significant milestone for Irish agriculture.
"With all the parties working together, the programme can guide Irish agriculture through the changes over the next decade and support farmers as they change and adapt their farming practices."
Agriculture is currently responsible for 35% of Ireland's greenhouse gasses.
