Minister seeks to suspend Straw Incorporation Measure
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Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue has announced his intention to seek a deferral of the 2024 Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) from the European Commission.
The SIM is an agri-environment and climate support targeted specifically at the tillage sector in Ireland.
The scheme is designed to provide financial support for tillage farmers to increase soil organic carbon levels by chopping and incorporating straw from cereal crops.
Minister McConalogue said he will now "be engaging with the Farmers Charter and CAP monitoring committee on my proposal to suspend the measure for this year before proceeding to make an application to the EU requesting approval".
“Last winter depleted national reserves of straw and resulted in very little availability in the early months of this year. At present, although growth is improving, the indications are that fodder is still behind where we would like to be," Mr McConalogue said.
“While I appreciate that tillage farmers may be disappointed by this move, there is a very strong market for straw this year due to the shortage and the need to replenish supplies.
"I remain fully committed to meeting the targets for straw incorporation over the lifetime of the CAP Strategic Plan.”
Reflecting on the advice communicated following the meeting of the National Fodder and Food Security Committee last week, the minister added: “It is critically important for all farmers to ensure they have secured supplies of straw and fodder for the winter ahead.
"I urge those who need straw to engage with tillage farmers to ensure their supplies are secure for the coming winter.”
Irish Farmers' Association president Francie Gorman said that the minister must "sit down with all stakeholders and make a proper plan which considers all sectors and all options".
"The SIM has been positive for tillage farmers during very tough conditions," Mr Gorman said.
IFA grain chairman Kieran McEvoy said that tillage farmers will be "very disillusioned" at this move.
“The reality is that tillage farmers can opt out of the scheme if they so wish. Leaving this option open until after the harvest would see a lot of the better straw baled rather than ploughed in,” Mr McEvoy said.
“Incomes for tillage farmers are set to be hammered in 2024 due to bad weather, a decline in winter plantings by 35%, and a free-falling grain market.
“Earlier this year, the minister himself announced that he intended to support tillage farmers with a payment of at least €100 per hectare. There is still little or no detail on this and now the minister is taking a payment away from tillage farmers."
