Relevant Matter
Matters involving public funds
Public Policy Area
Agriculture
Period
1 Sep, 2024 to 31 Dec, 2024
Specific Details
IFA Funding Proposals for the Tillage Sector
Intended results
To highlight that the area devoted to tillage declined by 16% between 2012 and 2020. The area devoted to cereal production has declined consecutively since 2012 with the exception of 2022 when an increase was recorded. However, a 7% decrease in the cereal area was subsequently observed in 2023 with a 26% reduction in overall volume produced (CSO). The cereal area contracted a further 2.75% in 2024.
To highlight that,as it stands at present, when compared with 2023, 2024 will see a net loss of funding for schemes associated with the tillage sector. IFA analysis estimates there will be a net loss of €24 million from combined EU and National Exchequer funded tillage schemes and payments in 2024. IFA believes it is critical that this funding shortfall is addressed with the sector facing into an income crisis.
To propose the establishment of a 5-year Tillage Survival Scheme with an annual payment of €250/ha for commercial tillage farmers which must be introduced in Budget 2025. This is vitally important to ensure the survival of the tillage sector.
To propose a Tillage Expansion Scheme for the sector in an effort to reverse the decline in Irelands tillage area. The Expansion scheme could mirror payments to the previous Tillage Incentive Scheme.
To propose that €400/ha should be paid on land converted into tillage in year one with a maintenance payment of €250/ha following in Year 2, the land must remain in tillage for a 5-year period.
Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity
Francie Gorman IFA President, Tadhg Buckley IFA Director of Policy & Chief Economist, Kieran McEvoy IFA Grain Chair
Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?)
No
Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign?
No
Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client?
No
Lobbying activity
The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.
Informal communication (6-10)
Designated public officials lobbied
The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them.
As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.
Amii McKeever
Adviser to Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)
Charlie McConalogue
Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)
Diarmuid Lynch
Special Adviser (Department of the Taoiseach)
Micheál Martin
Tánaiste and Minister (Department of Foreign Affairs)
Paul Savage
Assistant Secretary (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)
Martin Heydon
Minister of State (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)