Grain

IFA Calls for Derogation on Three-crop Rule

IFA Grain Chairman Mark Browne has called for a derogation on the ‘three-crop rule’ under Greening obligations, in light of the terrible weather conditions this year.

He said the weather conditions are making it impossible to plant crops, “Very little sowing was done during winter, it’s April now and the rain is still coming, making it impossible to get any sowing done. Farmers are under extreme pressure as time is running out to sow some crops, such as oats, beans and spring wheat.”

“While fallow is an option under the scheme, it is not an option for farmers who need to ensure they can achieve a product and an income this year,” Mark Browne said.

The difficulties being experience by farmers have been discussed by the IFA Grain Committee, who are calling on Minister Creed to engage with the EU Commission and Commissioner Phil Hogan to seek a derogation for this year.

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