Relevant Matter
Matters involving public funds
Public Policy Area
Agriculture
Period
1 May, 2025 to 31 Aug, 2025
Specific Details
Tillage Sector
Intended results
To highlight that the area devoted to tillage declined by 16% between 2012 and 2020. The area devoted to cereal production has declined consecutively since 2012 with the exception of 2022 when an increase was recorded. However, a 7% decrease in the cereal area was subsequently observed in 2023 with a 26% reduction in overall volume produced (CSO). The cereal area contracted a further 2.75% in 2024.
To highlight that,as it stands at present, when compared with 2023, 2024 will see a net loss of funding for schemes associated with the tillage sector. IFA analysis estimates there will be a net loss of €24 million from combined EU and National Exchequer funded tillage schemes and payments in 2024. IFA believes it is critical that this funding shortfall is addressed with the sector facing into an income crisis.
To propose the establishment of a 5-year Tillage Survival Scheme with an annual payment of €250/ha for commercial tillage farmers which must be introduced in Budget 2025. This is vitally important to ensure the survival of the tillage sector.
To propose a Tillage Expansion Scheme for the sector in an effort to reverse the decline in Irelands tillage area. The Expansion scheme could mirror payments to the previous Tillage Incentive Scheme.
To propose that €400/ha should be paid on land converted into tillage in year one with a maintenance payment of €250/ha following in Year 2, the land must remain in tillage for a 5-year period.
To show concern for the continued vulnerable position of the tillage sector in 2025. Costs of production remain very high and margins are strongly negative outside of owned land as farmers struggle to remain competitive in the land market.
To emphasise that Grain markets remain depressed and unpredictable due to the uncertainty presented by poor demand and geopolitical tensions and trade tariffs between major global grain importers and exporters. Growers are potentially facing €180/t for green feed barley which is below the cost of production in 2025. Additionally, dry conditions this spring have severely compromised yield potential in spring barley, our largest cereal crop.
To highlight that the commitment provided in the Programme for Government to invest significantly in the tillage sector was a welcome announcement and is acknowledged. Furthermore, the payment of €100/ha under the Tillage and Horticulture Support Scheme was a lifeline for many after two very difficult seasons in 2023 and 2024.
Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity
Francie Gorman IFA President, Alice Doyle IFA Deputy President, Kieran McEvoy IFA Grain Chair, Dermot Ward IFA Meath Chair, Tadhg Buckley IFA Director of Policy & Chief Economist, Max Potterton IFA Policy Executive
Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?)
No
Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign?
No
Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client?
No
Lobbying activity
The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.
Informal communication (6-10)
Designated public officials lobbied
The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them.
As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.
Barry Cassidy
Special Adviser (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)
Brian Brennan
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Brian Purcell
Special Adviser (Department of Agriculture and the Marine)
Helen McEntee
Minister (Department of Education)
Johnny Mythen
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Malcolm Byrne
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Martin Heydon
Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)
Verona Murphy
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Brendan Gleeson
Secretary General (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)