IFA Makes Case for Tillage Crisis Aid in Brussels

IFA Deputy President, Richard Kennedy is today leading a delegation, including Grain Chairman Liam Dunne, to Brussels to press the case for an EU aid package to support tillage growers affected by the devastating weather conditions earlier this year.

IFA has met with growers on a regional basis to assess the impact the severe weather this year had on farms and will present this information to EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan.

Richard Kennedy said, “The impact has been devastating for many farmers, with crops almost entirely wiped out in some individual cases. Without financial support, these farms simply will not survive.”

Grain Chairman Liam Dunne said, “Poor yields and prices for a number of years, combined with convergence in Greening and Basic Payments and high input and working capital costs had already led to a very challenging income situation for tillage farmers.

“This once-in-a-lifetime situation has compounded the serious income situation on farms and requires a strong response. Our Government and Brussels must step up and support grain farmers who otherwise face financial ruin.”