Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Wednesday, 28 February 2024
Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Compliance with the Nitrates Directive and Implications for Ireland: Discussion (Resumed)
Tim Lombard (Fine Gael)
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I wish to ask Mr. McNamara about the tillage industry, in particular. The expansion of the dairy herd has had a huge impact on the industry. Conacre prices have gone through the roof and there have been major sustainability issues. Where is the industry going? I am talking about purchasing and renting land. Straw is important in the system. Is the straw incorporation scheme appropriate going forward?
We had a discussion last week on cover crops. One set of witnesses said cover crops did not work and they should be moved away from because they are not promoting wildlife. What is the position of the tillage industry, in particular, on this issue?