Agriculture

Emissions impossible? The Cork dairy farm aiming to cut methane by 80 per cent

The Farm Zero C project aims for a huge reduction in dairy farm emissions by 2027 and if successful, could pave the way for farmers to maintain their herds while also meeting carbon reduction targets

Dairy farm income is soaring, but the sector has been set a target to reduce carbon emissions by 25 per cent by the end of this decade. Picture: Mike Brown

This year will arguably be the most profitable one in history for Irish dairy farmers. Yet a state of anxiety hangs over the industry as it grapples with an unprecedented series of new measures aimed at tackling climate change.

Dairy farm income is forecast to soar well above €100,000 in 2022, according to an analysis by Teagasc, the agricultural research body, but there are other figures that will define the sector in the coming years.