A record 73,172 ha of tillage area has been entered into the Straw Incorporation Measure for 2026. Meanwhile, the tillage area has fallen by an estimated 2.1% in 2026.

Both findings are a sign of the struggles farmers face in tillage at present. High fuel costs, fertiliser prices, land rental costs and other input costs make it difficult to make a margin against relatively stagnant grain prices, which have remained on par with 2025 prices at €195/t for green wheat and around €185/t for green barley.

Last year, 228 applications were withdrawn from the straw scheme. While a straw shortage isn’t on the cards, livestock farmers who want to ensure a straw supply for the season ahead should approach tillage farmers now and discuss supply ahead of harvest time.

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The tillage area has fallen for a reason, and we need to support tillage farmers before the area shrinks too far.

Tillage editor Síobhan Walsh highlights all the details on page 18.

New Genomic Techniques

Last week, we reported that the European Parliament has passed new rules surrounding new genomic techniques (NGTs). The vote took place on Wednesday 17 June.

A statement from the Parliament said the new rules will facilitate access to new plants that are climate and pest resistant, give higher yields or require fewer pesticides.

The rules had been provisionally agreed between the Parliament and the European Council in December 2025.

This will reduce inputs in time, but is a long way off for cereal growers, possibly another 10 years. For too long, Europe has been left lagging behind because of over-regulation and a long delay in getting new technologies approved through the European regulatory system.

The move should help Europe’s plant breeding sector to catch up with the rest of the world in using new genomic techniques and in turn, help European farmers compete on a level playing field with the rest of the world.