Can Irish farming afford to carry on as usual?
What if rising input costs, water pollution, animal health pressures and the shortage of young farmers could be addressed together?
An October 2026 report from the European Alliance for Regenerative Agriculture (EARA), Regenerating Systemic Risk: A Case Study on Ireland, argues that these challenges are connected—and that regenerating farms could help address their shared causes.
The report draws on EARA's earlier research across 78 farms in 14 European countries, which found 61% less fertiliser use and 75% less plant protection products, with yields just 2% below national averages and gross margins 20% higher.
Irish dairy farmer Tom Stack's experience in Limerick brings the argument to life. His farm produces less milk per cow and hectare than intensive neighbours, while operating with substantially fewer purchased inputs. His story highlights the importance of looking beyond production volume to consider costs, land health and resilience together.
EARA estimates that a six-year national transition could cost €3.7–€9.5 billion, while reducing imported input spending by approximately €9.1 billion over the same period. These are modelled possibilities, rather than guaranteed savings.
Achieving that change requires shared support. The report calls on government, banks, insurers, processors and cooperatives to help finance the transition and share its risks, while supporting farmers to chart their own paths.
Its ambition is a farming future with healthier land, stronger livelihoods and opportunities that attract the next generation.
