Budget 2026 needs to deliver for tillage sector – Fine Gael Senators

Seventeen Fine Gael Senators have said next week’s Budget must ensure the viability of the tillage sector.

All the Fine Gael Senators have tabled a motion to be debated in the Oireachtas this week to address the concerns of those in the agricultural sector.

The motion acknowledges the importance of agriculture to rural Ireland and the Irish economy.

This comes on foot of a meeting held by the Irish Farmers’ Association earlier this month in Naas, County Kildare to discuss the issues in the tillage sector.

Members of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party were the only government party representatives to attend the meeting.

The motion calls on a range of commitments to be fulfilled including to:

·       continue to invest in farming and rural Ireland;

·       continue to engage in the development of new markets for Irish food products;

·       and address the particular challenges in the Irish tillage sector at present.

Speaking on behalf of the Fine Gael Senators, Senator Eileen Lynch said: “Irish agriculture is currently facing many challenges and in this motion we are seeking a continued commitment from the Government to address these challenges.

“Progress is being made with the publication of the Bovine TB Action Plan and Generational Renewal Report, but we need to see these recommendations put into action as a matter of urgency.

“In particular, we need to support our tillage farmers and grain growers.

“A recent IFA meeting on the crises facing the tillage industry saw over 1000 in attendance and highlighted just how serious the situation is. It is vital that we help this indigenous industry as much as possible.

“Last week I attended the European Parliament Agri ICM (Interparliamentary Committee Meeting) Vision for Food and Agriculture Meeting in Brussels. Colleagues from all over Europe spoke of the need for Food Security and a stronger CAP.

“We cannot afford to be complacent about our farming and agriculture sector”.

ENDS