Farm organisation representatives are expressing deep disappointment at the lack of positive tillage outcomes delivered by Budget 2025.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue confirmed that the €100/ha support payment for the tillage sector will be made early next year.
A total of €30 million for a new tillage scheme supporting farmers to plant their field crops was announced by government in Budget 2025. The payment will be based on this year’s area aid.
Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) National Grain Committee chair, Kieran McEvoy characterised the budget as being totally devoid of strategic outcomes for the tillage sector.
“We had hoped for the government to lay out a five-year plan for tillage,” he told Agriland.
“Instead, all we got was a repetition of the agriculture minister’s commitment to an additional area payment made earlier in the year.
“This figure comes in at €30 million, when in reality, the tillage sector needs support levels in the region of €60 million to get them over the combined challenges of atrocious weather and poor prices that have been the real feature of the 2023/2024 growing season.”
Irish Grain Growers Group (IGGG) chairman, Bobby Miller, is equally downbeat regarding the outcome of Budget 2025 for his organisation’s members.
“The budget lacked any tillage vision. This is the most disappointing aspect of the government’s commitment to the tillage sector,” Miller said.
“While the minister came through on his commitment of the €40 per acre and confirmed that the Straw Incorporation Measure will return to its original state in 2025 , the ask from the tillage sector was €60 million for 2024.
“Tillage farmers are left pondering the following question – is there any real planning ongoing for the tillage sector by this government?”
The IGGG has said that its Budget 2025 submission was based on the future security of tillage farmers.
“But the reality is that Budget 2025 lacked any clarity as to the future of the tillage sector,” Miller continued.
This week has also seen grain merchants confirming their Harvest 2024 grain prices, and feed barley at circa €190/t isn’t cutting the mustard with tillage farmers.
“Barley prices coming below €200/t are deeply disconcerting for growers. They take no account, whatsoever, of the challenges that have faced tillage farmers in Ireland over the past 12 months,” Miller stated.
Meanwhile, IGGG has repeatedly asked for the co-ops to reflect the needs of tillage farmers, given the recognition that was given to dairy farmers and the milk price commitment made to them.
“The co-ops must show leadership in this regard,” Miller concluded.