EP4 - Beyond Net Zero: A Farmer’s Perspective

🎙 The forth episode of Rooted to Earth is out now!

In the latest episode of Rooted to Earth, we delve into sustainable farming with John Gilliland, a seasoned farmer and environmental leader from Northern Ireland. Known for his holistic approach to farming, John's career spans pivotal roles—from serving as the youngest president of the Northern Ireland Farmers' Union to his experience as a former member of the EU's Soil Mission Board. As the chair of ARC Zero, a project dedicated to carbon farming, John's farm operates in a closed-loop system, showcasing innovative practices in soil health, carbon capture, and renewable energy.

Reflecting on his career, John highlights the importance of a multi-faceted approach to agriculture:  

"There's no silver bullet…for positive change, we must look at complexity and design interconnected solutions."

For him, moving "beyond" Net Zero means focusing not just on reducing emissions, but building carbon stocks, transitioning to renewables, and maintaining high standards of MRV (Measurement, Reporting, and Verification) to ensure meaningful impact.

John is a strong proponent of accurate farm-level data, which he describes as crucial for informed decision-making: 

"We are asking farmers to respond to climate-smart targets, yet often without the granular, farm-specific data needed to make those choices. Tier 3 data offers integrity to the farming community and helps us track genuine progress."

John's commitment extends beyond policy; he's passionate about encouraging farmers to see their lands as multi-functional resources that provide societal benefits. Through ARC Zero, he hopes to inspire others with a vision of farming that respects heritage while building resilience for the future.

Don't miss Episode 4, where John shares his journey, the challenges of carbon farming, and his dedication to empowering farmers with the right tools for sustainable transformation.