Co-ops urged to lead on grain prices

IFA National Grain Committee Chairman Liam Dunne said farmer-owned co-ops must step up to the mark and lead the way in setting sustainable grain, oilseed and protein prices for growers this harvest.

Mr Dunne said: “We are now heading into the fifth season of low grain prices, which will result in another year of low, if not negative, margins for many grain farmers. While exceptional yields over recent years masked the income problem, a return to more normal yields this season will compound the income crisis.

“Current forecasts for the Irish harvest will see cereal production fall by over 250,000t due to a combination of reduced sowings and a yield reduction. The relentless pressure on growers' margins has taken a heavy toll on the sector. This is clearly evident from the substantial drop of close on 52,000 ha in cereal sowings, which has occurred since 2012 when plantings were just shy of 315,000 ha. This trend will continue unless there is a dramatic turnaround in grain prices and growers' incomes.â€