The Climate Action Minister will hold high-stakes talks with Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue later to agree a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Last year the government announced plans to cut emissions in agriculture by between 22 and 30 per cent by 2030, under its Climate Action Plan.
Today's negotiations are aimed at reaching agreement on a precise figure that can be brought to Cabinet next week for sign-off.
Eamon Ryan's seeking 30 per cent, however his Cabinet colleague's pushing for the smaller target, amid pressure from rural Fianna Fail and Fine Gael backbenchers.
Junior Agriculture Minister and Green Party TD, Pippa Hackett, says government wants to get the balance right:
"Ultimately look we're hoping the agreement on the emission ceilings can be finalised by the end of this month."
"Minister McConalogue and Minister Ryan will be meeting later today, this is part of ongoing negotiations between Ministers and between Departments."
"Look, nothing is agreed until everything is agreed."
"We're still in that process but we're hopeful by the end of this month we'll have reached agreement."
Farmers Need Help
Meanwhile, emissions targets will also be discussed at a meeting of the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee later.
Meanwhile farmers are warning agreement on a 30 per cent reduction would come at an unacceptable cost and put livelihoods at risk.
President of the Irish Farmers Association, Tim Cullinan, says the help currently being offered by government isn't enough:
"We're hearing now that solar panels and anaerobic digestion will make up for farmers trying to achieve 30% [of an emissions reduction.]"
"That is not the case - there's two separate things here."
"Farmers are absolutely willing and want to engage in renewable energies."
"But the problem is, despite all the talk and the hype that's going on at the moment, there's no money on the table!"
