Tillage

In 2015, Ireland produced €269m worth of cereals. An estimated 50,000t of grain was exported to Northern Ireland over the 2015/2016 crop year with an approximate value of €8m. This would account for over 90% of Irish grain exports.

The Republic of Ireland imports 300,000t to 350,000t of grain every year and it is estimated that 40% to 50% of that could be of UK origin. Those imports are for both feed and milling flour.

Farmer view: James Hill, Co Wicklow

“Given that the UK is a very significant wheat producer and our nearest neighbour, the result of the Brexit referendum has an impact for us,” said Wicklow tillage farmer James Hill. “The change in the exchange rate is likely to put pressure on the Irish grain sector. The euro has devalued, which will help Irish tillage farmers.” However, he said where currency markets stabilise is the issue, as the devaluation of the euro means there are higher input prices.

“The other significant problem is regulation issues for all agricultural production. We don’t know where glyphosate stands and Britain will be free to legislate for that separately to the EU. However, if they adopt the Norwegian model, they will have to comply with all the European rules without having an input into legislation. International grain prices may come under pressure but trade is influenced by so many other things. In the great betting shop that is commodity markets, it is hard to tell what will happen.”