The Department of Agriculture released its spring cereal and beans recommended lists last week. However, many growers may not have a choice of what varieties they plant due to a seed shortage.
The Irish Seed Trade Association (ISTA) now estimates there is enough seed to plant approximately 168,000ha of spring cereals and beans. However, Teagasc estimates 35,000ha of winter crops were not planted, and this area of spring seed is estimated to be short.
As a result, Teagasc is encouraging farmers to continue to plant Irish winter wheat seed until mid-February where possible. Other options, like forage crops should also be looked at.
ADVERTISEMENT
The ISTA, Teagasc, the Department and the IFA are engaging to alleviate the problem.
A derogation on germination percentage has been granted from the European Commission for Irish seed, while some imports have also been sourced, which comply with European standards, but will not comply with Ireland’s higher voluntary standard which ensures seed is free of grass weeds.
Register for free to read this story and our free stories.
This content is available to digital subscribers and loyalty code users only. Sign in to your account, use the code or subscribe to get unlimited access.
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
CODE ACCEPTED
You have full access to the site until next Wednesday at 9pm.
CODE NOT VALID
Please try again or contact support.
The Department of Agriculture released its spring cereal and beans recommended lists last week. However, many growers may not have a choice of what varieties they plant due to a seed shortage.
The Irish Seed Trade Association (ISTA) now estimates there is enough seed to plant approximately 168,000ha of spring cereals and beans. However, Teagasc estimates 35,000ha of winter crops were not planted, and this area of spring seed is estimated to be short.
As a result, Teagasc is encouraging farmers to continue to plant Irish winter wheat seed until mid-February where possible. Other options, like forage crops should also be looked at.
The ISTA, Teagasc, the Department and the IFA are engaging to alleviate the problem.
A derogation on germination percentage has been granted from the European Commission for Irish seed, while some imports have also been sourced, which comply with European standards, but will not comply with Ireland’s higher voluntary standard which ensures seed is free of grass weeds.
If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 01-4199525.
Link sent to your email address
We have sent an email to your address. Please click on the link in this email to reset your password. If you can't find it in your inbox, please check your spam folder. If you can't find the email, please call us on 01-4199525.
ENTER YOUR LOYALTY CODE:
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
SHARING OPTIONS