Income crisis threatens future of Irish tillage farming, warns IFA
Mr Dunne said the European Commission has failed to recognise the worsening income situation and take appropriate measures to support growers, despite repeated warnings.
Liam Dunne said: “There are serious question marks concerning the medium to long term viability of arable crop production in Ireland and across Europe. Current price offers for old and new crop grain for the fourth year running are significantly below the cost of production with little prospect of a major lift between now and harvest.
“EU crop diversification requirements are adding to farmers’ woes as it is now too late to sow many spring crops such as beans, wheat, oats etc.”
He said the inflexibility in rules on greening and crop diversification fail to take account of localised weather and soil conditions, focusing on red tape rather than market needs.
