Extra tillage money just a first step for farmers taking 'hammering'
Laois TD Charlie Flanagan accepts more support must follow
Money to help tillage farmers hit by months of bad weather is a first step to help those in Laois hit by months of bad weather, according to Charlie Flanagan TD.
The Laois Offaly Government TD said additional funding for the tillage sector of €100/ha is a much-needed support for tillage farmers through a difficult period.
The Fine Gael TD said that with almost 10,000 farms across Ireland growing crops, the tillage sector is a vital part of Irish agriculture.
“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," he said.
The IFA say €250/ha is needed as part of a €67 million rescue and growth package over the next five years. Dep Flanagan said the money is a start.
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“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," he said.
A statement from Dep Flanagan emphasised that in meetings with tillage farmers in Laois and Offaly significant fears were expressed about confidence in the sector as farmer morale was taking a hammering.
It said that in light of difficult weather conditions last year, additional support was provided by Government to the sector through top-ups to the straw incorporation measure and the protein aid scheme, the continuation of the tillage incentive scheme, and the introduction of emergency funding in the form of a one-off payment and an unharvested crop scheme.
“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,” he said.
South Kildare Fine Gael TD Minister of State in the Department of Agriculture Martin Heydon said tillage farms are the starting point for a €1.3bn contribution to the Irish economy every year.
"It is an incredibly sustainable sector as the lowest emitter of greenhouse gases per hectare and one that Irish agriculture could not function without.
“It is our ambition to grow the sector, however, we must first stabilise the loss of area before we can look to grow it. In the days ahead, I will be working to ensure any additional supports we introduce are practical and easy for farmers to access.” Minister Heydon concluded.
The funding package sought be the IFA is one of a number of measures sought by the organisation to help farmers in different sectors hit by bad weather.