Trump's Tariff Lift Sparks Calls for Stronger Irish Grain Links

Irish tillage farmers are celebrating US President Donald Trump's announcement to lift tariffs on Irish whiskey exports. However, the Irish Grain Growers Group (IGGG) sees this as an opportunity to strengthen the connection between Irish whiskey and Irish-grown grain.

In a recent public submission to the review of the Irish whiskey technical file, IGGG called for a greater requirement for Irish-grown grain to be used in Irish whiskey. The group cited the example of Irish cream products, which are required to use Irish dairy cream under their technical file.

IGGG believes that if Irish dairy farmers have a guaranteed market for their produce, then tillage farmers should also have a similar opportunity in the Irish whiskey industry. This is especially important considering the tight margins that tillage farmers operate on and the significant value that Irish grain contributes to the food and drink industry.

Eoin Ó Catháin, director of the Irish Whiskey Association, welcomed President Trump's announcement, stating that it will strengthen the success story of Irish whiskey. He noted that last year, Irish whiskey exports to the US were worth €450m, while Irish distillers purchased €80m worth of US whiskey casks.