Symbols like shamrocks, Irish harps and Celtic crosses have been used to mislead people about the origin of food produce.

A further €1.2m will be paid to eligible members in the coming months.

The scheme is in recognition of the challenges faced by the Irish potato sector following the UK’s decision to leave the EU. 

"If this problem is not addressed, there is a risk the tillage area will contract substantially after two years of growth."

The creation of a scheme to collect stocks of illegally held pesticides and other hazardous chemicals is being considered by the Government.

At this time of year, we must begin to review plans for what crops to produce for the coming season, writes ruminant nutritionist Brian Reidy.

The economic returns for growers compare very favourably with traditional crops like winter wheat and malting barley, Tirlán said.

'Farm Exam' readers will be happy to hear two Signpost favourites from 2022 are set to return. Tom and Fiona Barry from Mallow, and Darren and Rory Allen from Ballymaloe Farm, Co Cork, will continue their regular updates into 2023.

A four-year research project is looking at the potential for substituting imported maize with Irish wheat for the drinks industry. Large amounts of grain imported to Ireland are used in the drinks industry, particularly maize for whiskey production.

While it was “disappointing” that there has been a decline in tillage area over the last number of years, “progress” was made in 2022 and the sector “can make up for lost time” over the course of this decade.

Awareness needed around “their power and accuracy”, which have “huge potential”.

The findings might come as a surprise to those used to comparing sectors on farm profitability.

The plan will support diversification options for livestock farmers, which the Government report admits will “incentivise voluntary livestock reductions”.

Ireland is a “long way” from self-sufficiency when it comes to producing feed grains, Teagasc’s head of crops knowledge transfer Michael Hennessy has said.

Payments have this week commenced under the 2022 Straw Incorporation Scheme, Protein Aid Scheme, and Protein/Cereal Mix Crop Scheme.

Widespread drought throughout Europe during the 2022 growing season has directly impacted the presence of moulds and mycotoxins in new crop grains and forages.

These advance payments amount to 85% of the full annual payment offered under the scheme. 

With autumn planting completed and the 2023 winter crops well up over ground at Ballymaloe Farm, tillage farmer Darren Allen reviews what has been a very busy and interesting first year in the Teagasc Signpost Programme.

Infarm said its first indoor wheat trial had demonstrated "exceptional results".

Infarm said its first indoor wheat trial had demonstrated "exceptional results".

Owners and operators of peat extraction sites are "unwilling to divulge" information as they fear repercussions.

"Diminished supplies of peat from existing stockpiles and the costs associated with peat imports increases the challenge for the sector."

"That needs to be addressed if we’re serious about de-fossilising European agriculture in the years to come."

The aim of the pilot is to trial and test regenerative agriculture techniques in Irish conditions.

A national strategy for horticulture to 2030 is due for publication in the first quarter of 2023.