In 2012 the Greenhouse Gas Implementation Partnership (GHGIP) in Northern Ireland began overseeing implementation of the “Efficient Farming Cuts Greenhouse Gases” Reduction Strategy and Action Plan.

The focus strategy has been on minimising the emissions intensity (or carbon footprint) of local food by lowering the amount of carbon associated with producing primary agricultural products.

The GHGIP continues to highlight Northern Ireland’s position as an efficient food producer, well equipped to supply home and external markets with the ever growing quantities of food needed to service an increasing global population.

There is always a temptation to prioritise economic growth above cutting carbon despite recognition that man-made climate change is one of the most important issues we face. However, tackling naturally occurring agricultural emissions can bring economic benefits and we should not forget that it is the total amount of GHGs emitted worldwide that matters, not long term reduction targets in any one particular country over another. Remaining competitive by promoting a logic of efficiency and de-coupling economic activity from emissions, rather than closing down or exporting production, is being increasingly recognised as the most suitable way of maintaining food security and reducing environmental impacts.Moreover, the erosion of nature’s capacity to deliver ecosystem products and services will have a profound and damaging effect on economic growth while increasing the risk of supply chain interruption.

Our strategic direction set out in “Efficient Farming” focused firstly on spreading awareness of the issues and this Phase 1 progress report shows where we are on the long road to a lower carbon and sustainable future.

The key strands of Phase 1 were:

1. Establish a Robust Partnership – The GHGIP has established four sub-groups. These are responsible for implementation of the strategy amongst the red meat, dairy and arable sectors while a sub-group on sequestration is tasked with quantifying the potential for further enhancing carbon storage in Northern Ireland.

2. Improve Awareness – Farming newspapers, sectoral factsheets, radio programmes and events organised by government and industry have all publicised the message that efficient farming is good for business and will lower carbon intensity.

3. Begin Implementation – The GHGIP are tasked with identifying efficiency improvement measures suitable for each farming system and encouraging their implementation on-farm. The agri-food sector in Northern Ireland is highly focussed on sustainability and a significant number of efficiency measures are already practiced.

4. Use scientific research results – The GHGIP recognise that robust science is the first step in developing any efficiency measure. Transferring that scientific knowledge to farmers through appropriate training is also vital.

We will take the views of a wide range of interested stakeholders to form the direction of our Phase 2 Plan later in 2014. Those measures that we know work well will remain the backbone of our approach.

The highlights of Phase One of “Efficient Farming Cuts Greenhouse Gases” have been:

Farmer Awareness

An entire episode of BBC Farm Gate dedicated to interviews with the GHGIP sub-group chairmen.

76% of local farmers believe climate change will affect their business in the next 10 years.
14,000 farmers received written advice on GHG efficiency measures.

Nutrient Management

£2 million provided in NIRDP grant assistance for enhanced slurry spreading equipment.

690 farmers received nutrient management training since 2011.
20,000 soil samples have been sought through DARD since 2011.
Beef & Sheep

24 months is the optimum age for efficient first calving. Average heifer age at first calving is reducing towards this target.

Early beef finishing, rotational grazing and improved genetic selection are leading to a significant improvement in financial returns, as well as reducing the amount of GHGs associated with beef production.

Dairy

Feed Advisers Register launched to assist the transfer of knowledge on efficient animal feeding.

New efficient CAFRE Dairy Unit, with carbon targets for each litre of milk, established as an example of best practice.
Carbon Calculator specifically designed for NI dairy farmers is now available within DARD Online Services.

Arable

AFBI research informs DARD Recommended Lists of Cereal Varieties, thus increasing efficiency.

A local Register of Sprayer Operators ensures competency and efficiency in chemical use.
Major Arable Crops conference hosted by CAFRE in January 2013 advocated efficiency and outlined the benefits of GPS soil mapping and guidance.

Sequestration

Peatland is vital for carbon storage. 80,000 hectares of peatland are managed by farmers under Agri-Environment schemes.

The DARD Clover Check scheme communicates the financial and environmental benefits of fixing nitrogen by planting red and white clover swards.
Agroforestry systems will form part of the Rural Development Programme, combining carbon storing woodland with livestock production.

GHG Inventories (Measurement)

Accurate assessment of GHG emission levels is vital to inform government on the overall impact of climate change policies.

DARD are supporting and financing NI input into UK-wide projects to improve emissions measurement on agriculture and land use.
The improved inventories will take into account local farming practices, soils and climate. Energy Efficiency
CAFRE are benchmarking energy efficiency on NI farms.
Over £250,000 offered in financial support for energy efficiency equipment under Tranche Three of the Farm Modernisation Programme.
Energy efficient technologies such as rain water harvesting and heat recycling established in new Dairy Unit at Greenmount.

Renewable Energy

Practical On-Farm Renewable Energy events launched as part of DARD Renewable Energy Action Plan. Over 3,000 attendees since 2011.

£4.3 million grant assistance provided for Renewable Energy projects under the NIRDP.
£3 million grant support provided for biomass fuelled technologies since 2011 through the Biomass Processing Challenge Fund.
Agri-Environment

36% of the total farmed land in Northern Ireland in 2013 is managed under an Agri-Environment scheme.

Agri-Environment schemes maintain the sequestration functions of thousands of hectares of woodland, scrub and parkland.
Planting trees in buffer zones under Agri-Environment schemes stores additional carbon and helps to enhance biodiversity.
Efficient Farming Cuts Greenhouse Gases – What They Say

“Livestock is the best way we can contribute to feeding the world. The only way to convert grass to food that humans can use is through livestock. In pursuing this we have a responsibility to minimise our emissions through the most sustainable production systems possible as the industry has been doing for the past three years.” Phelim O’Neill, “Industry Insight”, Farming Life 1st June 2013.

“Soil analysis allowed me to identify the precise nutrient status of my land and with the help of CAFRE’s Crop Nutrient Recommendation Calculator, I am able to target fertiliser and manure inputs effectively and avoid applying costly excess fertiliser.” Mark McCollum, Arable Farmer, Coleraine.

This blog is taken from the Northern Ireland Greenhouse Gas Implementation Partnership Phase One Report 2014

Link to the report: http://www.dardni.gov.uk/index/farming/climate-change-farming.htm