Tillage Sector: Statements
Dail Éireann — 2025-10-15
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Carol Nolan (IND), Offaly

I am delighted to have an opportunity to speak here tonight on the tillage issue. I spoke to and engaged with the IFA on this matter on a number of occasions prior to the budget. Many of the concerns and challenges relate to the significant structural pressures and extended economic factors the sector faces, including increased importation of grains and elevated input costs. While we accept that production figures for 2025 show a modest yield increase, this has not translated into sector stability. This is of great concern to the tillage sector.
I accept the Government has initiated targeted responses to mitigate these pressures following extensive consultations, including a national crisis meeting convened by the Irish Farmers Association in September, which was alluded to a number of times during the debate. There was huge attendance and it goes to show how important the issue is and how worried farmers are about it. The Minister engaged directly at the meeting to outline pathways towards viability. This is something that everyone in the House wants to see achieved.
I also understand the committee on agriculture has examined policy options such as taxation initiatives for low-carbon tillage crops and biodiversity rewards to foster long-term resilience. However, we must move to a situation such as that advocated by the likes of the IFA, which is at the forefront of this and understands inside out the concerns and issues farmers have. Its approach is having structured survival payments implemented in a system where farmers have certainty, and where we can finally bring about sustained fiscal commitments from the Government. Certainty is important for farming to plan from year to year. It is no different to any business. It is important that certainty is provided.
I also note on the European front that the Common Agricultural Policy continues to channel financial support towards the promotion of conservation tillage systems but I am deeply alarmed by reports that Ireland will have to use more than 75% of its allocation. This is a concern.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2025-10-15/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:13+00:00
Sitting date: 2025-10-15