Tillage Sector: Statements
Dail Éireann — 2025-10-15
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Danny Healy-Rae (IND), Kerry

I am glad to speak about the grain and tillage section of our farming. Grain and tillage have been, are, and always have to be a vital part of our agricultural landscape. We met grain growers and they gave a very concise, interesting and serious presentation on the plight they face. They told us the number of farmers going out of the business and how many will go if something does not happen.
It is not fair that they do not have a level playing field. If the grain coming in from Europe is not grown using the same costly methods we ensure our farmers must use, we will have to level the playing pitch on our side. We will have to make it easier for them to comply if we cannot do it any other way, and if we cannot ensure the Europeans, or those from wherever the grain is coming from, are operating the same standards. It is absolutely ridiculous to think that people can come along and sell Irish whiskey which has other grain making it. The Government will have to do something about this. It is not fair. The Government must ensure that our farmers get the primary role in producing the grain. When our name is used, grain should only be imported or used if we cannot provide it.
These farmers are in savage competition for land and with regard to the pricing and the cost of everything. Everything is increasing. When grain is being imported we are increasing the carbon footprint we are all supposed to be adhering to. God Almighty, we are all under the one sky whether the grain comes from Ukraine, Russia or wherever. It is produced under the same sky so the same rules should apply all over the world.
I fear for the north Kerry grain men who have been growing grain for years in Ardfert, Ballyheigue, Kilmoyley and Causeway. All of these great men have been tilling over the years. When I was a young fellow my father and myself used to go up there for beet and straw. It is vital that these people keep going-----

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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