On November 22nd a report was issued by the Oirechtas Committee on Agriculture calling for increased supports for Irish tillage farmers. Committee Chair, Pat Deering TD, said “In undertaking this body of work, the Committee wished to explore the full range of actions which could benefit the tillage sector; of course, some options are as yet, on the scientific horizon while others could be implanted in the short-term”.
“One of our key aims in drafting this report was to encourage discussion on new ideas for tillage in order to allow the sector to grow and innovate into the future. The time to act is now and we must be open-minded to new innovations in tillage and cropping if the sector is to flourish in the long term” he continued.
There are 35 recommendations put forward by the Committee, based on consultation with stakeholders in the sector. A panel of representatives from IOFGA, namely Gillian Westbrook, Grace Maher, Mary Lynch and Alan Mooney spoke on behalf of the organic tillage sector and IOA welcomes the report. The recommendations specific to organic, are no’s 12, 13 and 14.
“One recommendation outlines “That a new Organic Action Plan be developed, as the last plan covered the period 2013-2015. There should be a commitment to produce new Action Plans on an ongoing basis in order that the sector may have a constant policy direction”.
To read the full report please CLICK HERE
