The Irish Grain Growers’ Group (IGGG) has confirmed that the new Irish government must treat the nitrates derogation as a priority issue.
This is a matter that will impact across the dairy and tillage sectors in equal measure.
“There is every possibility that tillage farmers could be the real losers if Brussels decides to remove the derogation.
“Under these circumstances land availability will become a critical matter for tillage farmers. The need for a wide ranging conversation to be had involving tillage and livestock farmers is now obvious.
“It is one that must be expanded well beyond the matter of transporting slurry and farmyard manures,” IGGG chair, Bobby Miller explained.
Miller added that “dairy and other livestock farmers must recognise the inherent value of Irish-grown grains and must be prepared to pay for them accordingly”.
IGGG
Looking ahead, the IGGG representative wants the Irish government to actively address the issue of convergence, where future basic payment entitlements are concerned.
Miller said: “The next government will determine Ireland’s policy priorities when it comes to the forthcoming review of the Common Agricultural Policy.
“Convergence will be a critically important within this debate. Tillage farmers lost out badly when the initial convergence measures were agreed as part of the last review of the Common Agricultural Policy.
Turning to the report produced earlier this year by the Food Vision Tillage Group earlier this year, Bobby Miller confirmed that the new government must act on its recommendations.
“The main political parties have committed to additional support measures for tillage, amounting to €60 million per annum.
“It’s important that we see how this money will be made available in practical terms as a matter of priority,” he said.
While 2024 turned out to be another challenging year for tillage farmers, in terms of weather, final yields and market prices, crop performance, prospects for 2025 are looking much brighter.
Teagasc has confirmed that the vast majority of winter cereal and oilseed rape crops, planted out over recent weeks, are looking well.
While it is still very early in the 2024/2025 production season, the potential for growers to secure high yields next summer is significant.
Of equal significance is the fact that recent cold snaps have reduced the threat of barley yellow dwarf virus, now one of the most significant cereal disease challenges facing Irish tillage farmers.