There has been a broad welcome from within Ireland’s tillage sector for the fuel support measures announced by the government yesterday (Sunday, April 12).

“But it’s all about the detail," stressed Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) National Grain Committee chair, John Murphy.

"I welcome the fact that 2025 has been chosen as the base year for the scheme, but we don’t yet know how straightforward, or not, the application process will be," Murphy told Agriland.

The IFA representative went on to stress the need for the monies to be made available at farm level as soon as possible.

The organisation said it will be in constant communication with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) on this matter.

Tillage

While recognising the commitment made by the government, the Irish Grain Growers' Group (IGGG) is also asking the question - is it enough?

IGGG secretary, Clive Carter, commented: “This is a significant financial package and must acknowledge the work done by DAFM and the minister for agriculture, but why wasn't it put forward weeks ago when the seriousness of this crisis was flagged by all sectors and organisations?

“The feedback we are getting is that there is confusion around some timings, so there is more clarity needed

"The main element around the carbon tax has still not been addressed.

“It has also failed to acknowledge the reason for the protests, that the two main leaders of the country have not been listening to the needs of the farmers, hauliers and general public on a range of issues, not just fuel.”