Tillage group calls for low carbon benefits of sector to be reflected in CAP
The Irish Grain Growers Group (IGGG) is campaigning to have the environmental benefits of tillage fully recognised in the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
Research carried out in Ireland has confirmed the exceptionally low carbon footprint of the sector.
And according to IGGG spokesperson, Clive Carter, it is important this reality is fully reflected in the next CAP budget.
He commented: “In the first instance, we need to see the tillage payment agreed in Ireland’s National Budget for 2026 further endorsed in 2027.
“And, thereafter, it must be officially included in the CAP payments made available to Irish agriculture over the coming years.”
IGGG representatives are very conscious that the new Multi-Annual Financial Framework which will run from 2028 to 2034, including the CAP may well be agreed during Ireland’s presidency of the EU.
Moreover, Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon, will be at the very heart of these negotiations.
Carter said: “The minister knows the Irish tillage sector well. And this will, hopefully, play out in our favour over the coming weeks and months.”
IGGG will meet Minister Heydon in the near future as part of Ireland’s pre-EU Presidency preparations.
The lobby group is also preparing its National Budget 2027 submission, which will be published in the coming weeks.
Homegrown grains
Meanwhile, IGGG continue to argue for grain import regulations that deliver a level playing field for Irish tillage farmers.
The organisation also wants Irish merchants, feed compounders and livestock farmers to pay a premium price, relative to imports, for homegrown grains.
This reflects the inherently higher quality of locally produced cereals and their lower carbon footprint.
“The grain prices available to Irish tillage farmers at the present time are between €50-€60/t lower than they need to be,” Carter said.
“I was hoping that international cereal prices might have increased by this stage.
"Strengthening input costs are now a reality for grain growers in the southern hemisphere and dry weather has impacted significantly on the wheat harvest in parts of North America.”
Referring to crop conditions here in Ireland, the IGG representative confirmed that a number of winter cereals are looking well at the present time.
“Spring crops, though, have come under considerable weather-related pressure over recent weeks,” Carter explained.
“In overall terms, harvest 2026 is shaping up to be an average one at best.
"And, obviously, the weather over the coming weeks will be very important in determining its final outcome.”
