Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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159. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to financially reward farmers for carbon sequestration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13687/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The Government has and continues to support farmers in guiding the delivery of carbon sequestration at farm level.

The current Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) strategic plan provides the overarching mechanism for supporting farmers in the maintenance of carbon in for example hedgerows and grassland. This includes the National Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) which offers a range of actions for individual farmers.

From a National perspectives, initiatives have been in place and have been developed in recent years to include;

• The Afforestation Scheme provides financial support to encourage the planting of trees on land not previously under forest. Increasing the country’s forested area helps to tackle climate change through carbon sequestration and increases biodiversity. Financial support is provided for both the establishment and maintenance of new forests and woodlands with set-up grants covering up to 100% of total costs.
• In addition, the development of other initiatives such as the National liming scheme and National Soil Sampling Programme supports carbon sequestration and the assessment of baseline soil organic carbon levels.
• These all strategically support Ireland informing policy and contributing positively to our climate goals while supporting farmers.