Tillage Sector

Tuesday, 27 January 2026

Questions (814)

William Aird

Question:

814. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the €30 million tillage support package announced for tillage farmers in Budget 2026 will be paid; whether payments will issue before planting commences in the coming weeks; the crops which will be eligible for payment under this support; if he acknowledges the urgency of delivering this funding given the severe cashflow difficulties currently facing tillage farms, due to the continued poor economic performance of the tillage sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6612/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Tillage farmers are a critical part of the agri-food sector producing high quality animal feed, bedding and ingredients for the food and drink industry. Acknowledging the challenges facing the sector, I committed an additional €30 million in support to the sector in Budget 2026 bringing the total support this year to €50 million.

My Department is currently in ongoing consultation with stakeholder bodies in relation to the design and implementation of a Tillage Sustainability Support Payment to allow expenditure of this funding.

The finalised Terms and Conditions will then be subject to approval by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.