Agriculture Committee report calls for more support for tillage farmers

Some key recommendations include:

• That a new Organic Action Plan be developed, as the last plan covered the period 2013-2015. There should be a commitment to produce new Action Plans on an ongoing basis in order that the sector may have a constant policy direction.
• A review of the potential of energy crops should be undertaken in Ireland to fully identify the viability of the sector and to inform policies which will enhance the potential of the sector.
• Until such time as a viable alternative is available, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine should continue to vocally support the extension of a licence for glyphosate. The Committee also recommends that the Minister actively seek to help develop support amongst other Member States for an extension to the licence.  
• That the CAP budget be maintained and used in a targeted and effective manner in order to provide the greatest benefit to all producers including tillage farmers.

Committee Chair, Pat Deering TD, said today, “In undertaking this body of work, the Committee wished to explore the full range of actions which could benefit the tillage sector; of course, some options are, as yet, on the scientific horizon while others could be implemented in the short-term.”

“One of our key aims in drafting this report was to encourage discussion on new ideas for tillage in order to allow the sector to grow and innovate into the future. The time to act is now and we must be open-minded to new innovations in tillage and cropping if the sector is to flourish in the long term. Accelerating innovation in Irish tillage farming and crop genetics is vital if farmers are to be successful. There have been great advancements in innovation around dairy farming; genetics and financial management and tillage must not be left behind.”

“Access to finance will be essential in helping tillage famers diversify, mitigate risk, and increase efficiency. We are calling for access to finance to remain a priority and for the CAP budget to be maintained and protected. "

“Ireland has a highly productive tillage sector, with yields amongst the highest in the world, which supports a substantial number of jobs. It has the potential to grow and diversify even further, provided it is given the necessary supports. This report is intended to provide a basis for engagement between stakeholders in formulating a Tillage Sector Plan. The discussions held with stakeholders will hopefully serve as a robust foundation for this plan and we are encouraging the Minister to carefully consider our recommendations.”

Read the report here