The Just Transition Commission has said the Government must make hard decisions to transform Ireland’s agriculture into a less polluting industry but without hurting farmers who may have to dramatically change their practices. A report by the independent advisory body says changes must be made in the way Ireland farms to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, make space for nature and forests, and restore water quality.The land also must be used to produce more fruit, vegetables and cereals for domestic consumption even though they are not nearly as profitable as producing beef and dairy for export, says the commission, which advises the Government on how to ensure a fair and equitable transition to climate neutrality.But it says those changes can only happen if farmers are supported, financially and otherwise, to make them – something the Government has yet to commit to. “Time and time again we have found that farmers are more than willing to take action,” said commission chair, Ali Sheridan. “They show huge concern around how climate is changing and a willingness to support the transition but their frustration was consistent throughout our engagement with them. “They’re frustrated with the lack of clarity, the lack of vision in terms of what they’re being asked to do and how they’re going to be supported to do it.” The commission is calling on the Government to urgently convene a national dialogue – a series of discussions with affected groups – to work out a vision for the sector. Their call comes just a fortnight after the Government published an extensive Land Use Review report which highlighted similar concerns and suggested ways of moving away from predominant land use, which is for dairy and cattle. The Government said that report was not a formal policy document or a strategy. But Sheridan said it would be a wasted opportunity not to use it as the basis for a national dialogue. The commission’s other recommendations include using public procurement policy to support diversification in agriculture. The school lunches programme, hospitals and public catering contracts should be required to source Irish grown fruit and vegetables, it says. Grant-aided home retrofitting schemes should also look to Irish wool for insulating materials. “We see a lot of innovation around the country – nature-based farming and restoration, tree planting, organics, ecotourism, willow and wool production – but they remain largely in pilot mode,” Sheridan said. Legislation to support a new wave of co-ops is being drafted and Sheridan said it needed to be expedited. “We’re trying to push that forward now to give more independent producers the opportunity to come together to build some scale and be able to take advantage of new procurement opportunities.” The Government has indicated it may set up a land use taskforce to consider the findings of the Land Use Review.