The tillage sector is one of the few sectors to receive an increase in funding in Budget 2027, with funds allocated rising by €4m to €54m.

The increase is to support a higher budget for the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM), with the total allocation for SIM rising from €10m in 2026 to €14m in 2027.

There is €10m in funding for the Protein Aid Scheme, as has been the case in recent years. This leaves €30m for a Tillage Sustainability Support Scheme.

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In announcing the budget, Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon said he is acutely aware of the pressures that tillage farmers are experiencing at this time.

'Hugely important'

“The tillage sector plays a hugely important part in Irish agriculture and it is this Government’s ambition to grow the sector in the years ahead.

"I especially wanted to ensure that supports were in place to assist tillage farmers and to deliver on our Programme for Government commitments.

“In recognition of the challenges facing the tillage sector this season, particularly higher input costs and the impacts of prolonged dry weather on crop yields and quality, I will deliver targeted supports for the tillage sector totalling €54m in 2027."