George Lawlor (Wexford, Labour)

I acknowledge that we may have a better year this year but the tillage sector has suffered crippling losses over recent years. We have seen fertiliser prices increase by up to 300% since the war in Ukraine began. We have seen tillage farm incomes plummet. In 2022, the average tillage farm income was €76,600. In 2024, it had plummeted to €30,000. Tillage farmers cannot take any more of these losses. They need assistance and assurance. Counties like my own county of Wexford are taking a serious hit. The IFA tells us that the economic viability of the sector is very precarious for 2025 and that the sector will be extremely vulnerable in the coming years. Forward barley prices for harvest in 2025 are €185 per tonne. This is well below the cost of production for many farmers. It is unsustainable and the sector must be supported if we are to see people remain in it and see incomes rise. It is vital that the sector receive the absolute commitment and support of the Minister. I acknowledge that, in his contribution, the Minister said he is supportive of the sector but it is crucial that a new tillage incentive scheme is introduced to support tillage growers and that we begin to be more self-sufficient when it comes to the supply of our own native grain.

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