The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has warmly welcomed today's (Tuesday, February 24) confirmation of the new €30 million support package for tillage farmers.

The details of the National Tillage Sustainability Support Scheme were confirmed by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon.

IFA National Grain chair, John Murphy commented: “The origins of the new measure can be traced back to negotiations involving IFA and the minister last October."

He added that the measure was subsequently referenced in the Programme for government published prior to Election 2025

“Obviously, it is to be hoped that the Department of Agriculture will make distribute additional funding that is now available to growers as quickly as possible," Murphy added.

Looking ahead, the IFA representative indicated that Minister Heydon will come forward with a new sustainability scheme and tillage expansion scheme.

“This new measure has been previously promised to us by the minister," Murphy said.

It should kick in next year, continuing through to the end of the current Dáil.

IGGG

The Irish Grain Growers Group (IGGG) has also welcomed the confirmation of the new tillage support measure.

A spokesperson for the organisation said: “The announcement of the €30 million support package for the tillage sector is very welcome and badly needed ahead of spring planting.

“While it is a help, more support is needed for the sector and we would hope that this is for more than just one year and a longer term commitment."