Nitrates rules adding 'further pressure on long-term viability' of tillage growers

"It is now almost certain that the area under tillage will decline this year, when it needs to be going the other way."

IFA national grain chairman Kieran McEvoy said that the 2023 cropping year "was always set to be financially challenging", with high input costs and declining global grain prices.

A more "structured, collaborative approach" will be needed from industry if the tillage area is to reach the target of 400,000 hectares by 2030, the Irish Farmers' Association has said. 

IFA national grain chairman Kieran McEvoy said that the 2023 cropping year "was always set to be financially challenging", with high input costs and declining global grain prices.