Tillage scheme only one part of addressing food security crisis

Cabinet have approved a €12 million support package for the tillage sector in Ireland aimed at increasing the area under Tillage crops this year.

Macra na Feirme welcomes the initiative while also highlighting that the sector requires support beyond just this year. The area under tillage crops in Ireland have been in decline over a long number of years, this crisis has highlighted that Ireland needs to have a viable and growing tillage sector in order to maintain our food security.

“A serious effort and sustained investment and policy change is needed to grow the tillage sector in Ireland. The department must support sustained growth in the sector long term,” said John Keane, Macra na Feirme National President.

Macra na Feirme encourages the government to clarify the details of the scheme as soon as possible, as clarity is required on the issue of the crop diversification rule and whether the area under wild bird cover can be replaced and planted.

“Unfortunately, the major issue of soaring input price remains unaddressed. Specific actions are needed to address the cost of fertilizer inputs on both tillage crops and also for grassland farmers.

“The rising cost of diesel, which is expected to add an extra €15-€25 an acre to the cost of first cut silage per acre, is another challenge on top of the increase in the cost of plastic and a continued shortage of labour,” added Keane.

Macra na Feirme has been clear about what is required to address the needs of farmers in order to help to create food security. Fuel, fodder and fertilizer supports are all required in order to help farmers address the instability in the current market.

“Farmers are integral to ensuring food security and need to be supported in order to meet the demands facing them,” concluded Keane.