The price of food could be about to rocket with shortages driven by the Russian invasion of Ukraine where much of Europe’s grain is grown.
Huge swathes of wheat and maize-growing areas of that war-torn country have been abandoned leaving crops in the fields.
There is also likely to be an acute shortage of fertiliser in this country as much of it is produced in Russia.
Yesterday it was revealed Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue will meet farming bodies on Monday to discuss food and animal feed security in the light of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
He has set up an emergency team in his department to monitor the supply chain situation.
Mr McConalogue confirmed encouraging farmers to plant some grain crops this year is on the agenda.
Speaking on RTE’s This Week, he said the war in Ukraine and consequent sanctions on Russia have created much uncertainty around supply and the Government wants to improve self-sufficiency.
The minister confirmed he has called farming organisations to a meeting to discuss food security and among agenda items will be having all farmers to plant crops this year.
He said it is fortunate that we are still early in the planting season here so we can still plant more grain domestically.
Among the farming bodies due to attend tomorrow’s meeting is the Irish Farmers
Association.
Its president Tim Cullinan said his members are facing very challenging times but farmers will make sure Ireland plays her part in any national or European effort.
He added: “However, it is far from certain that asking all farmers to plant crops is the best use of the resources that are likely to be available to us.
“The biggest issue facing farmers is the rocketing cost and availability of inputs. This is where the Government needs to focus their efforts, as well as looking at some of their own regulations.
“It would be very unwise of the Government to make any decisions on this before engaging fully with farmers.
“Irish farming is very different than it was in the 1940s. What was done then may not be the solution today.”
President of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association Pat McCormack said food security is a concern and he questioned whether it is an issue that the EU has lost sight of.
Also speaking on This Week, he added there will have to be “scope for farmers” if they are to grow tillage crops as it requires huge use of fertilisers and farmers would need “leniency”.
Mr McCormack said there is a lot of legislation regarding fertiliser usage for these crops to be grown.
He said farmers will enter talks with the Government on how to address the challenge with the “best form of faith”.
