The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) has called for a tillage scheme worth €65m per annum on a multi-annual basis in order to support the tillage sector.

The €30m National Tillage Sustainability Support Scheme announced by Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon on Tuesday was welcomed by IFA grain chair John Murphy who described it as a "start".

"Government support is vital in ensuring our tillage sector remains viable.

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"However, tillage farmers also need to see a greater value placed on native grains," Murphy said.

The IFA grain committee has prepared a discussion document proposing a way forward for greater recognition and inclusion of our domestically produced cereals and proteins in animal feeds.

“Ahead of the busy spring season, cashflow is particularly tight on tillage farms after a challenging year for margins in 2025.

"These supports will be of help to farmers financially and also act as a boost to morale which has been at very low ebb,” he said.

The scheme structure, according to Murphy, appears straightforward and based around the area of crops submitted by farmers on their 2025 BISS form.

He has urged tillage farmers to apply online through the MyAgFood portal by Monday 9 March 2026.