Irish Tillage Farmers Call for Government Support Amid Rising Costs

The Irish tillage sector is facing significant challenges in 2026, with the final grain prices reflecting a difficult year marked by extreme weather conditions. A wet spring followed by a summer drought impacted crop yields, and while the harvest was smooth, the crops did not reach their full potential. Recent price announcements from three co-ops and merchants show that while prices are higher than initially projected, they are not enough to offset the soaring input costs, leaving farmers in a tough spot.

Grain prices are about €40 per tonne above the budgets set in late 2025 and early 2026, but this is overshadowed by a dramatic rise in input costs. Nitrogen prices surged by approximately €150 per tonne by spring, and fuel prices have increased by around 74% over the past 12 months. Many farmers were caught off guard by these hikes, particularly as they had to refuel amid multiple price increases.

Premium markets also took a hit, with malting-barley prices declining, contracts dropping, and distilling barley seeing reduced demand. Gluten-free oats contracts decreased as well, making high-value grains seem like a thing of the past. Ironically, some farmers are now being paid more for rejected malting barley than for barley that met the specifications, adding insult to injury.

Given these challenges, it is likely that the tillage area will shrink for the 2026/2027 season, with farmers moving away from malting barley. Land leases may become harder to maintain, and farmers will need to carefully select their crops. The government is urged to support the sector by honoring its promise of a €67 million payment and revisiting the Food Vision for Tillage report to ensure progress on sustainability and the use of Irish grain in animal feed.