The Irish Grain Growers Group (IGGG) is pushing for the low carbon footprint of tillage farming to be formally recognized in the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) budget. Research in Ireland shows that native grain production has a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to imports. The group wants this environmental benefit to translate into higher CAP payments and a premium for homegrown grains over imported alternatives. IGGG representatives are preparing to meet Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon ahead of Ireland's EU presidency, where the next Multi-Annual Financial Framework (2028-2034) will be negotiated. They argue that current grain prices are 50 to 60 euros per ton below what farmers need to sustain operations, while input costs rise globally. The group also calls for import regulations that create a level playing field for Irish tillage farmers. This campaign highlights a broader tension in agricultural climate policy: how to value and reward the actual carbon performance of different farming systems. If the IGGG succeeds, it could set a precedent for linking CAP payments to measured carbon footprints rather than generic assumptions about farming practices.
