Tillage: IGGG calls for improved cereal prices
Irish Grain Growers Group (IGGG) chair, Bobby Miller, is calling on all merchants and co-ops to deliver improved cereal prices.
This is in light of the recent strengthening in global cereal markets.
“Only one merchant has published its 2024 grain price schedule as yet: and that was two weeks ago.
“Since then, international grain markets have strengthened considerably. This development must be reflected in the prices paid for native grain from here on in," he said.
Two weeks ago, Quinns of Baltinglass published its Harvest 2024 harvest price schedule, quoting feed barley at less than €200/t.
Meanwhile, Miller is calling for the Food Vision Tillage Group to be reconvened as a matter of urgency.
“Budget 2025 was very disappointing. The €100/ha support payment confirmed by the government was a one-off.
"In the first instance, it amounted to only half of what the Vision Group had initially called for. But more than this, it relates to one year only. Irish tillage needs a sustainable strategy rolled out on its behalf.
“Meanwhile, the government has already committed to delivering long term support solutions forth beef and lamb sectors. It is critically important that the tillage industry be treated in the same manner.”
According to the IGGG representative, the tillage vision group has already done the hard work in developing a cohesive plan for the future of the crops sector.
“What we need now, is a firm response for the Minister McConalogue to the report that was produced by the vision group a number of months ago.
“If this is not forthcoming, it puts a big question mark on the role of the vision group into the future," he said.
Miller is also calling on Teagasc to undertake the research required to fully verify the sustainable nature of Irish grain production.
Miller added there is "absolute acceptance of the reduced carbon footprint generated by Irish tillage numbers. But we need the actual numbers verified in order to fully endorse these claims.
“And it’s Teagasc’s job to come up with these figures.”
The IGGG chair continued:
“Tillage farmers are taking full opportunity of the excellent ground conditions to get on with the planting of winter crops.
“This is all very positive. This time last year the polar opposite was the case.
“Burt once the new crops are in the ground, growers will be turning their minds to the challenge of securing a sustainable future for their businesses.
“And the Irish government will be expected to play a key role in this process.”
