The gap between total "costs and product prices" is driving tillage farmers to exit the sector, TDs and senators were warned today (Wednesday, October 1). According to Andy Doyle, chair, Tillage Industry Ireland, the sector has been "discriminated against for decades in policy formulation". One reason for this he believes is that tillage farmers have been "priced out" when it comes to land rental costs. "Grain price levels below or very close to the cost of production are a significant challenge affecting the tillage sector at present. Politicians were left in little doubt at the committee that Budget 2026 could prove a turning point for many tillage farmers.