Future Agricultural Policy Proposals SEA Environment Report August 2022

  • Commissioner: Northern Ireland Executive
  • Conducted by: DAERA
  • Year: 2022
  • Countries: Northern Ireland
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In 2019, Northern Ireland's agriculture sector accounted for a substantial 5.6 MtCO2e of the total 21.4 MtCO2e emissions, with methane from livestock and nitrous oxide from soils being the most significant contributors. Without changes in agricultural policy, pressures on soil health are likely to persist, leading to long-term negative impacts. The report emphasises the critical role of the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme, peatland restoration, and sustainable management practices in improving soil carbon storage and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, supported by balanced farm sustainability payments.

The total quantity of Northern Ireland’s emissions attributed to the agriculture sector in 2019 was 5.6 of the total 21.4 MtCO2e. This represents a 7.7% increase from the base year. Across all sectors other than agriculture and waste management, carbon dioxide was the most common emitted GHG. For the agriculture sector, methane arising from livestock and nitrous oxide from soils represented more significant emissions than carbon dioxide. The agriculture sector was accountable for 3.7 of the 4.8 MTCO2e of methane (CH4), and 1.3 of the 1.7 nitrous oxide (N2O) emitted within Northern Ireland in 2019, but a much lower proportion of CO2 (0.6 of the 14.6 MTCO2e emitted).

In the absence of a change in agricultural policy for Northern Ireland, the current pressures affecting soil health and the quality of agricultural land are likely to continue, with potential for long-term direct negative effects.

The Future Agricultural Policy Proposals (FAPP) emphasise the importance of soil health through the implementation of a Soil Nutrient Health Scheme, requiring farmers to participate in soil testing and develop nutrient management plans.

Peatland restoration and sustainable management are highlighted as critical actions for improving soil carbon storage and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Farm Sustainability Payment and Beef Sustainability Package include environmental actions aimed at enhancing soil health and carbon sequestration.

Recommendations for policy implementation

  1. Implement a Soil Nutrient Health Scheme that includes regular soil testing, nutrient management plans, and participation in LiDAR surveys.
  2. Encourage peatland rewetting and sustainable management practices under the umbrella of the Northern Ireland Peatland Strategy.
  3. Promote low carbon emission farming practices through applied research, knowledge transfer initiatives, and the use of environmentally efficient cattle breeding.
  4. Evidence from studies and consultations included in the report highlights the benefits of sustainable land management practices in reducing soil erosion, increasing soil carbon storage, and enhancing overall soil health.
  5. Detailed analysis of farm income and direct payment dependencies supports the need for a balanced approach to farm sustainability payments and environmental measures.

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Future Agricultural Policy Proposals SEA Environment Report August 2022