Existing support packages for the tillage sector must be delivered and expanded in Budget 2027, Fianna Fáil agriculture spokesperson and Carlow-Kilkenny TD Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere has said.

He warned that the future of the sector cannot be taken for granted and confirmed his support for the Irish Farmers’ Association’s (IFA) call for €69m in funding for the tillage sector as part of its budget submission.

Deputy Cleere said he has heard about the pressures facing tillage farmers such as input costs, competition globally and low grain prices around the world.

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"They are producing top-class Irish grain, and after a good summer for crops, we should be proud of the quality coming off Irish farms, but quality alone will not keep farmers in tillage," he said.

“They are also competing with producers internationally who do not face the same level of regulation, audits and standards as Irish farmers. We cannot demand more and more from our farmers while leaving them to compete on an uneven playing field.

“This is about protecting farm incomes, maintaining food security and ensuring Ireland retains the capacity to produce its own grain.”

Carbon-efficient

He highlighted the environmental credentials of the tillage sector and said that we should be investing in that advantage and "not allowing low-cost imports to undermine Irish production".

“Irish grain is an environmental asset," he said. "The tillage sector is one of the most carbon-efficient sectors in Irish agriculture and has a major role to play in a carbon-constrained economy."

Deputy Cleere acknowledged the work done by former Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue, saying he “delivered more direct support to tillage farmers than any government in the history of the State.” He added that that level of ambition now needs to continue.

“I am calling on Minister Heydon to significantly increase investment in tillage in Budget 2027, building on the work of his predecessor rather than allowing momentum to be lost,” he said.

“Minister Heydon must now support a strategic Irish tillage sector with meaningful investment in Budget 2027, or we risk watching acreage and farm families leave the sector.

"The latter simply cannot happen."