619. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a guarantee that no potential reduction in tillage environmental payment will occur (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53403/26]

This Government recognises the importance of the tillage sector, the challenges it currently faces, and the need to support its sustainable development. Reflecting this importance, my Department has provided significant direct supports to tillage farmers in recent years.

My Department is providing €50 million in support to the tillage sector in 2026 through the Protein Aid Scheme, the Straw Incorporation Measure and the National Tillage Sustainability Support Scheme.

This includes €30 million in new funding secured in Budget 2026 for the National Tillage Sustainability Support Scheme, with payments under the Scheme issued in March.

More recently, in response to the exceptional pressure arising from the sudden increase in the cost of Marked Gas Oil (MGO), the Government allocated €100 million to provide meaningful income support for farmers, contractors and fishers.

The Farming for Water EIP has a budget of €60 million to support targeted on-farm additional measures to improve water quality, including establishment of cover crops. The tillage sector is also being supported under other schemes, including the Tillage Capital Investment Scheme, ACRES and the Organic Farming Scheme.

I will continue to work with the tillage sector and provide targeted support in line with budgetary allocations given the importance of the sector within the wider agricultural industry.