Peatlands for Prosperity Project Implements Paludiculture in Ireland to Combat Pollution and Boost Farmers' Income
The Peatlands for Prosperity project aims to transform polluting dry peatlands in Ireland into productive farms through paludiculture, which involves rewetting the peatlands. Funded by the EU Just Transition Fund and led by Green Restoration Ireland, the project has established two farms for trials of various crops suitable for wet peat conditions.
Farmers are trained to cultivate herbs, vegetables, fruits, and materials for horticulture while reducing environmental emissions. Once rewet, the peatlands can generate income through carbon credits, with potential earnings estimated based on emissions avoided, which can reach 12 tonnes of CO2 per hectare per year. The initiative encourages farmers to explore diverse plant options, with trials including up to 20 different varieties to determine the most viable crops for the region.
