This was a supporting detail page of the main policy document.
Agriculture causes 9% of the UK’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This is made up of:
nitrous oxide (around 55%), which is produced by the use of synthetic and organic fertilisers
methane (around 36%), which is created through the digestion processes in livestock animals and the production and use of manure and slurry
carbon dioxide (around 9%) from energy used for fuel and heating
Read more about agricultural GHGs in section 2.2 of Greenhouse gas emission projections for UK agriculture to 2030. How England is reducing emissions from agriculture In England the agricultural sector is adopting cost-effective practices to make farm businesses more energy efficient and help the UK achieve an 80% reduction in GHG emissions by 2050. These practices also make farm businesses more competitive and sustainable. For example, improving a farm’s nutrient management system by more accurately matching nutrient inputs to crop needs can reduce emissions, increase efficiency and save money. Review of our work In 2012 the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) reviewed our progress in reducing GHG emissions from English agriculture. We developed an indicator framework for GHGs from agriculture as part of the review’s outcomes. We will continue to work with a range of stakeholders to explore the findings of the review, share wider evidence and refine our existing approach. Devolved administrations Scotland The Scottish Government has developed the Farming for a Better Climate website, which offers practical measures that farmers can use to reduce GHGs. Wales The Welsh Government established the Land Use Climate Change Group to consider how agriculture and rural land use can reduce climate change and help people adapt to it. Northern Ireland The Department of the Environment (DOE) has published the Northern Ireland GhG emissions reduction action plan, which covers emissions from the agricultural sector.