The INHFA have outlined concerns that commitments given on the Nature Restoration Law (NRL) may be undermined through the introduction of a carbon tax.
In the development of the controversial law INHFA President Vincent Roddy outlined how “commitments were given to farmers on drained peat soils and those farming our uplands that any farmer engagement will be on a voluntary basis.”
This he continued “was also confirmed in a Dail motion brought by Deputy Denis Naughten last June. The motion which was overwhelmingly endorsed by the Dail deputies present, confirmed that any actions would be on a voluntary basis, while also ensuring that these lands can continue to be defined as an agricultural area under CAP programmes.”
“While these commitments are critical, their intention could be undermined through the introduction of a carbon tax on these lands” said Roddy
Over the last number of years, we have, he continued, “seen various assessments on what level of carbon has been emitted from drained peatlands and the wet and dry heaths that cover most of our hills. These figures have ranged from 10/tonne/ha/year up to 30 tonnes/ha/year and it is our understanding that ongoing research by Teagasc will provide more definite figures on these areas in the coming eighteen months.”
This research Roddy stated “is critical with the hope and expectation being that the level of emissions will be on the lower side especially on our hills. However even at 10 tonne/ha any carbon tax applied here would be devastating for farmers as the current carbon tax rate for 2024 is €56 per tonne of carbon dioxide, with this set to increase to €100/tonne by 2030.”
In this scenario farmers would, he maintained, “be forced to consider rewetting or other restoration options as they couldn’t afford such a punitive tax.”
As we move into the last days of the General Election Roddy called on all political parties “to give rock solid commitments that if in Government they will not impose any carbon tax on lands.”
In concluding the INHFA leader stressed the need “for our politicians and the State to ensure the voluntary commitments given around the NRL are honoured, that all lands subject to the law continue to be defined as agricultural areas and that no attempt will be made to coerce farmers through a carbon land tax.”