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Talks underway to improve outlook for grain farmers 

Tillage farmers are experiencing phenomenal pressure due to increasing input costs. This has led to grain growers having been advised that they can offer a maximum of 20% of their total produce from the previous year. This comes as talks are underway between grain growers and Kerry Agribusiness with a meeting held on the matter.

Despite talks between the two parties being at the beginning stages, it’s understood that there appears to be a way forward in addressing positive production outcome costs.  

According to Irish Farmers’ Association Kerry grain committee chair, Kevin Leahy, contracts could be offered on feed barley, wheat and oats under current specifications. The price, Leahy reiterated, would be final, and additionally he stated that he would seek additional bonuses to be included in the contract.  

National IFA Grain Committee chair, Kieran McEvoy, says that forward selling limits some of the risk but advised that it was not an option for everyone as each farmer has their own costs. But farmers are scrutinising the matter regarding forward pricing.

At the meeting some had advised that they would be open to the option in principle, but would need to see the price and full terms offered by Kerry Agribusiness before signing up. 

LSL News.

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