IFA seeks tillage relief measures
IFA grain chairman Liam Dunne says measures are needed to protect Ireland’s tillage sector, which could collapse due to poorer prices and much-reduced yields, with major implications for the livestock sector and Ireland’s drinks industry.
Mr Dunne said: “Decisive action is needed to reverse the dramatic fall in incomes.
"Since 2012, the Irish cereal area has fallen by over 100,000ac and this trend will accelerate unless there is a dramatic turnaround in fortunes for grain growers.”
With fertiliser accounting for 40% of variable production costs, an immediate abolition of tariffs and anti-dumping duties on fertiliser imports would reduce some costs for the sector.
The IFA also wants a review by the EU Competition Authority of the high cost of Ireland’s plant protection products.
The IFA is also urging all agri-food parties to use native grains and support the industry.
