DEAR SIR:

As a young tillage farmer, the last few years have been difficult. With low commodity prices, weather-related yield fluctuations, high input and land lease costs, it is imperative that we have a strong voice representing us, with a singular focus on all arable farmers exclusively.

If the last few years were particularly difficult, then the pathway forward is more uncertain, with climate change, Brexit, the US political upheaval and the review of CAP, which commences in 2018.

Climate change

Consultation has already begun at national level and I’m concerned that the voice of tillage farmers is not being heard. I have read some very disturbing reports in the media so far. The EPA report (published on 10 November 2016) states that the largest contributor to carbon emissions is agriculture at 33%, with transport and energy contributing 19.8% and 19.7% respectively.

The arable sector is already making a positive contribution to help mitigate some of these emissions as part of the greening measures of CAP 2015-2020. These measures include crop rotation, cover crops, buffer strips, min-till, direct drilling and Ecological Focus Areas (EFAs) on hedgerows. These EFAs were fixed at 5% of arable land in 2016 and are being increased to 7% in 2017.

All the above measures contribute positively to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, as well as creating other benefits to the environment. The only reference I have seen to tillage land in the debate so far is a reference to biomass as a renewable, ie willow and miscanthus.

The sooner attempts to peddle that stupid idea of sacrificing arable land as a mitigation measure to counter the expansion in the dairy sector are killed off, the better. We already grow more than 200,000ha of biomass – it’s called straw, a byproduct of our cereal crop.

Very little effort has been made to resource and develop straw in CHP to generate electricity. It’s a lot less contentious than wind energy. Are some people afraid that it might become a valuable commodity?

Biofuel renewables

More effort should also be made to promote other forms of biofuel renewables, such as pure plant oil from oilseed rape and ethanol from sugar-beet. Both crops can also be used for food production. These crops, especially sugar beet, also act as a carbon filter during the growing period. We will also be contributing to reducing emissions in the transport sector by using more biofuels in HGVs and light commercials. The EPA solution is electric cars, eliminating diesel use. What are they going to suggest in transport and agriculture?

The above crops are fantastic break crops and help to enhance cereal yield without taking any land out of production, which is precisely what will happen if we attempt to plant those other forms of biomass.

Brexit

Since 2000, Ireland has been a net importer of food, per UN data published in May 2016. We import €3.5bn of goods and services per annum from the UK, of which a significant amount is food/agri-products, such as beverages, flour, sugar, vegetables and grain.

It is likely that some of these products will be subject to EU tariffs post-Brexit, which will add to consumer costs and food inflation.

The Irish arable sector has the capacity to expand to meet some of these demands given that we can produce the highest yields globally, both in cereals and vegetables. We can also add value to our crops, creating much-needed rural employment, while guaranteeing quality -assured traceable food products.

In summary, I believe we have a positive role to play as arable farmers in the future. Never forget that the global population is increasing and food production and supply will always be needed.

There is a lot of uncertainty globally, but history does repeat itself.