IFA urges price rises for tillage farmers

Tillage farmers need support from the trade sector with strong grain and protein prices this harvest.

Irish Farmers Association (IFA) president Joe Healy said the recent market upturn has to be translated into increased prices. He said farmers are struggling to cope with a combination of low prices, expensive inputs, falling direct payments and increased compliance costs due to greening.

“In light of the extremely difficult harvest last year, there is an onus on merchants and co-ops to appropriately compensate tillage farmers for the high-quality grain they produce. The trade has to recognise that without viable prices, the strong local supply of native grain they depend on to support Ireland’s export-orientated livestock, dairy and drinks industries cannot be guaranteed,” he said.