Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 April 2023
321. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the establishment of the Food Vision Tillage Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19949/23]
View answerThe tillage sector is an important and integral component of the Agri-food industry. It is a major producer of high-quality grain for the animal feed industries and straw for feeding and bedding. Tillage growers also make a significant contribution to the food and drinks sectors.
A vibrant and sustainable tillage sector is central to increasing Ireland’s food and feed security while also contributing to climate change objectives. Maintaining the current tillage area with an ambition for further growth is therefore an important strategic objective of my Department. This is highlighted in the Food Vision 2030 Strategy and more recently in the Climate Action Plan where a target has been set to grow the area under tillage crops to 400,000ha by 2030.
There are opportunities for the sector to expand and to increase the production of grain for the high value food and drinks sectors while also substituting imports of feed grains and proteins adding to the sustainability of Irish produced food and feed. Last year was a good year for the tillage growers. However, I am acutely aware of the challenges for this season including higher input prices, lower forward grain prices and competition for land.
To help grow this important sector, I am currently establishing a Food Vision 2030 Tillage Group. This group will bring together all relevant stakeholders to set out a roadmap for the sustainable growth and development of the sector to 2030. I hope to announce details of the Terms of Reference along with the Group’s membership shortly. The first meeting of the Group will take place in May.
