Councillor welcomes support for tillage farmers

A Louth councillor has described additional funding for the tillage sector of €100/ha as a much needed first step to support tillage farmers through a difficult period

With almost 10,000 farms across Ireland growing crops, the tillage sector is a vital part of Irish agriculture.

Fine Gael councillor, John Reilly, said: “I welcome confirmation by Minister McConalogue that additional support will be provided to the tillage sector. In the midst of the current weather challenges on farms, it is clear that tillage farms are amongst the worst impacted as they struggle to complete spring plantings.

“Fine Gael representatives have been clear that nothing is off the table when it comes to supporting farmers through this period.

“Confirmation of €100/ha for those who plant crops is a much needed first step but we must continue to engage with the sector on what more can be done.

Cllr Reilly emphasised that in meetings with tillage farmers in the Dundalk/ Carlingford region significant fears were expressed about confidence in the sector as farmer morale was taking a hammering.

Cllr Reilly said: “At a minimum this year we need to match the level of funding provided in 2023.

“That is the very least needed to maintain confidence in the sector.”