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Livestock farmers must maximise their use of Irish grain, IFA president Tim Cullinan has said.
"Some feed merchants are producing rations which contain little or no Irish grain. The trade must promote the use of native cereals to support the sector," Cullinan warned.
"The tillage sector is heavily dependent on CAP payments. The recent EU decision to reduce the allocation for CAP by 9% at constant prices will have serious consequences for the sector, unless the Government comes forward with significant co-financing to protect payments."
Stakeholder support
As harvest 2020 progresses, the IFA president has called on all stakeholders to support the Irish tillage sector.
"This season, tillage farmers have already endured a difficult winter, followed by drought conditions in late spring, which will have a negative impact on yield. The trade must return sustainable prices to grain farmers this harvest, to prevent a further drop in farm income.
The trade must return sustainable prices to grain farmers this harvest, to prevent a further drop in farm income
"The sector contributes over €500m of farm gate value to the rural economy. It is of critical strategic importance to Ireland's €13bn livestock, dairy, food, drinks and mushroom export sectors.”
Opportunity
The IFA believes there is a significant opportunity to increase the tillage sector and supply the animal feed, drink and food sectors.
Cullinan said: “Irish grain producers must be allowed to compete on a level playing field with imports. They must have access to a full range of plant protection products and new breeding techniques for the sector to thrive and expand."
Farm safety
Farmers and contractors are urged to put a renewed focus on farm safety this harvest.
"This time of year can be particularly stressful on tillage farms. However, it is vital to identify the risks before you undertake your work and ensure anyone working on your farm does the same," Cullinan concluded.
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