The grain sector in Ireland should be thriving. Less than 10% of our land base is under the plough, and there is a large livestock sector to consume the cereals and proteins produced. Our yield potential is equal to that anywhere in the world, yet tillage farmers are in the midst of one more harvest where production costs will only be covered if bumper yields occur.

A huge effort is being made to brand our grass-based meat and milk. Surely utilisation of native grain and protein can improve the carbon footprint further, and strengthen the “green Island” identity in our high-end export markets.