‘We need actions rather than recommendations’

HELEN HARRIS

The biggest threat to the tillage sector, apart from prices, is regulations. Whether that is on farm or at European level.

We have seen it recently with the glyphosate debate. We will see more of this when other chemical products come up for renewal. We also have the same when it comes to farming on the ground.

The debate is becoming more about environmental impact, of how we farm. I understand the need to protect the environment but we also need to understand that this should not come at a financial cost to farmers. If science has proven that we are farming in a safe way to both humans and the environment, shouldn’t that be enough. When did we stop trusting science? Helen Harris is a tillage farmer based in Co Laois

PAT MINNOCK

The report is very welcome and continues to shine a very much needed light on the tillage industry in Ireland which at best is struggling. I would be concerned, however, that this is yet another report to be filed away to gather dust similar to the efforts made earlier in the year by the minister in relation to the Tillage Forum which, it must be said, is very disappointing that there has been no follow up or outcomes.

However, the report does fail to call on relevant authorities to address a major issue facing the tillage industry, which is the failure to treat imported feedstuffs in the same manner as native grain is tested and treated. It would improve the lot of tillage farmers if incentives were provided or advertising could focus on ration containing only native grain.

Rations containing genetically modified products or even imported grains produced using sludges could be down priced. A premium price for rations and therefore higher price for native grain would then be forthcoming.

I believe there is a future for tillage growing in the country but many of the recommendations in this report need to be acted upon now and not in the future. Pat Minnock is a consultant and member of the ACA and the ITCA