Tillage Funding Not a Minute Too Soon

IFA Grain Chairman John Murphy has said the announcement of €29.1m in tillage sustainability supports has come not a minute too soon for farmers in the sector.

“Since last December, IFA has engaged with DAFM officials on several occasions regarding this funding. We consistently emphasised that these supports had to be paid ahead of the intensive spring period. DAFM representatives indicated that any payment would likely be paid before the end of March and in fairness they have delivered on this,” John Murphy said.

From speaking with DAFM officials it does appear that some tillage growers may not have applied for the payment. “If any tillage grower did so by accident, I would encourage them to contact the DAFM tillage helpdesk straight away.”

Unfortunately, the economic outlook on tillage farms has worsened in recent weeks owing to the conflict in the Middle East which has caused a rapid escalation in the cost of key inputs such as fertiliser and diesel.

“Every cent of the tillage sustainability payment from the Government is needed at present,” John Murphy concluded.