Gary Roe, a farmer managing 450 acres in County Laois, grows a diverse mix of crops including winter and spring barley, wheat, rye, oilseed rape, beans, oats, potatoes, and carrots. While sowing Orcade winter barley at a rate of 180kg per hectare last week, he shared his concerns about the challenges facing tillage farmers with the Irish Farmers Journal.
The primary issue, according to Roe, is pricing. He noted that Irish farmers compete with third-world countries using banned chemicals and lower costs, which undercut local standards. He argued that imported grain should meet European standards to level the playing field.
The drought of summer 2026 severely impacted many of his crops, particularly early-sown spring barley and winter oats. However, fields with organic fertilizer fared better, and the harvest was ultimately eased by favorable weather conditions.
Roe also discussed the European Union’s carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), which will again impose an import tax on fertilizer next year. He suggested that a 30% to 40% minimum inclusion rate for Irish grain could help stabilize prices and support local mills. Additionally, rising costs for diesel, insurance, parts, and labor have added to the financial strain on farmers.