Decline in tillage area shows 'sector needs ongoing support' - TD
A Laois TD has said a decline in area of land dedicated to tillage production highlights the need for "continued support" for tillage farmers.
Fine Gael TD William Aird has raised concern as an approximate reduction of 2% in tillage area is expected in 2026 compared with 2025.
Deputy Aird raised the issue with Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, seeking an update on the implementation of the recommendations of the Food Vision Tillage Group report.
He also asked the minister about the actions being taken to expand the sector towards the target of 400,000 hectares by 2030.
Decline in tillage area
Data from the 2026 Basic Income Support for Sustainability Scheme (BISS) indicates the area under tillage crops (cereals, maize, oilseed rape, protein crops and beet) at 331,223 hectares.
This represents a decrease of approximately 2% compared with 2025, Minister Martin Heydon has outlined.
"Despite this decline, the overall tillage area has remained broadly stable in recent years, increasing by almost 18,000 hectares, or approximately 5.7%, since 2020," he said.
The minister said the implementation of the recommendations of the tillage report is ongoing, with progress reviewed regularly by the Food Vision Tillage Group.
"The group most recently met on May 28, when officials from my department, Bord Bia and other industry stakeholders provided updates on progress," he said.
'Significant challenges'
Deputy William Aird said the reduction in the area of land being used for tillage is a concern and shows the importance of ensuring farmers have the confidence and supports needed to remain in the sector.
“The fact that the area of land dedicated to tillage has declined compared with 2025 is something we need to take seriously," Deputy Aird said.
“We have set an ambition to grow the tillage sector and increase the area under production, but the latest figures show that we cannot take progress for granted.
“Tillage farmers are facing significant challenges, from input costs and weather pressures to market uncertainty.
"It is vital that we continue to support farmers and create the right conditions for the sector to grow."
Future of tillage
Deputy Aird said the government must continue to focus on strengthening the future of tillage farming.
“Ireland has a proud tillage tradition, and farmers here make a major contribution to food production and the rural economy," the Laois TD said.
“The decline in the area under tillage compared with last year is a reminder that the sector needs ongoing attention and support.
"If we are serious about expanding production, we must ensure farmers have the confidence to invest and continue producing."
Sustainability of Irish grain
Minister Martin Heydon also said that "considerable work has been done to achieve greater recognition of the sustainability of Irish grain".
He outlined that this includes the development of a tillage module for AgNav to allow growers to showcase the low-carbon footprint of Irish grain and ongoing work to develop a pilot Sustainability Assurance Scheme for tillage aligned with Origin Green.
"Together, these initiatives will enable growers to provide tangible sustainability outputs that demonstrate the low-carbon credentials of Irish grain, strengthening market differentiation and supporting access to premium markets," the minister said.
"Work has also progressed to secure new and expanded value-added opportunities for Irish grain through investment in pilot-scale production facilities."
These include the National Centre for Brewing and Distilling at Oak Park which opened in May 2025, and the announcement in January 2026 of an Enterprise Ireland scheme to support the establishment of new flour milling projects in Ireland.
