Change in green cover rule allows ploughing for crops from December 1

IRISH grain growers have welcomed relief from a ban on winter ploughing.

Winter ploughing was forbidden by a rule which requires green cover on arable lands within six weeks of any cultivation carried out before January 15. Farmers say this costs them up to €60 per hectare, or €10 per tonne of grain.

Agriculture and Environment Ministers Brendan Smith and John Gormley have now allowed farmers to plough for spring cereals from December 1 rather than January 15.