Tirlán Grain Price Criticized by IFA as Unprofitable for Farmers
John Murphy, IFA Grain Chair, has expressed concern over the grain prices announced by Tirlán for harvest 2026. While global market conditions are challenging, Murphy believes that the prices set by Tirlán will leave many grain farmers in a loss-making situation.
The base price of €210/t for green barley and €220/t for green wheat, combined with the cost of inputs and operating machinery, leaves a tiny margin on owned land and a negative return on rented land. Murphy warns that if these prices continue into 2027, the Irish tillage sector will become unviable.
Growers have faced four challenging years since 2023, and Murphy fears that these low market returns will discourage farmers from planting crops for 2027. Some may not even be financially able to sow due to the current prices.
The IFA remains adamant that government support is essential in ensuring the tillage sector's survival during this prolonged period of low market returns.