Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 31 March 2022
147. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the anticipated extra tonnage likely to be generated from cereal growing in 2022; if extra incentives are anticipated and-or required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16967/22]
View answerThe Targeted Intervention Package I announced on 22nd March is framed around three pillars which seek to support our vital Irish farming families arising both from events in Ukraine and wider global price volatility. The total package is projected to cost in the region of €12.2 million.
The package seeks to incentivise the planting of additional tillage crops for this coming planting season through the Tillage Incentive Scheme. The Scheme encourages farmers to grow more tillage crops in 2022 versus 2021 and for crops to be eligible, the land must not have been in tillage production in 2021. Eligible crops include the cereal crops- barley, wheat, oats etc., oilseed rape, maize, beet and potatoes. A payment of €400 per hectare is proposed. The proposed budget for the Scheme is €10 million and is aimed at encouraging an additional 25,000 hectares of tillage crops.
It is not possible to estimate the extra tonnage likely to be generated from cereal growing in 2022 as we are some time away from harvest and weather coupled with growing conditions for the spring and summer as well as at harvest time will determine the harvest yields and quality. However, I do note that Teagasc has estimated the winter crop area in 2021 to be approximately 5% higher than in 2020 and crops have come through the winter period in good condition, which bodes well for the cereal harvest this year.
We will continue to assess the situation on an ongoing basis and will respond as appropriate. This is an important and proactive step I have taken to support our farm families, their businesses and the sector through this challenging period.
