Questions have been raised over whether a 'representative' of the tillage sector should be appointed to the Teagasc board.

The Fianna Fáil TD, Malcolm Byrne, has asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, to consider giving the tillage sector a voice at the the Teagasc boardroom table.

According to Minister Martin Heydon the current Teagasc Board includes representatives from farming organisations, the food industry, the universities, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and Teagasc staff.

In response to a parliamentary question Minister Heydon told Deputy Byrne that the composition of the board of Teagasc is set out in the Agriculture, (Research, Training and Advice) Act, 1988 and "provides for strong stakeholder representation within an overall cap of board members".

He said that five people are nominated for appointment by organisations considered representative of persons engaged in agriculture or the promotion or development of the agricultural industry.

A further five are appointed directly by the minister following a competitive process overseen by Publicjobs.

"It is open to persons engaged in agriculture to apply for these positions as they are advertised on the Publicjobs website," Minister Heydon said.

National Tillage Strategy

The minister also told Deputy Byrne that the government recognises the importance of the tillage sector and the challenges it has faced in recent years including reduced grain prices, higher input costs and the impacts of adverse weather.

He added: "It is government ambition to grow the area in tillage in the years ahead.

"In recognition of the challenges faced by the sector this year, I will deliver targeted supports totalling €54 million in 2027. In addition to €30 million for the Tillage Sustainability Support Scheme, I have secured additional funds of €4 million for the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) for 2027, bringing the total allocation for SIM next year to €14 million.

"These supports, and €10 million for the Protein Aid Scheme will provide a strong base to support the future of tillage farming in Ireland".