Move to Suspend Straw Incorporation Scheme a Solo Run that Will Impact Tillage Sector

IFA President Francie Gorman said the Minister for Agriculture’s decision to announce the suspension of the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) without any consultation was a solo run by the Minister, which gave no consideration to the huge challenges being faced by the tillage sector. 

“There is no doubt there are concerns about fodder availability for the upcoming winter. However, what’s needed is for the Minister to 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,” he said

Last week, there was an online meeting of the Fodder and Food Security Committee which was established by the Minister.

“While there was certainly discussion about the straw chopping measure, there was no consensus, or even a formal proposal to suspend the measure,” he said.

“The Minister has now completely ignored this group and driven on with his own announcement,” he said.

IFA Grain chair Kieran McEvoy said 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,” he said.

“Straw from some crops will not be suitable for forage, so removing these hits the bottom line for tillage farmers,” he said.

“Incomes for tillage farmers are set to be hammered in 2024 due bad weather, a decline in winter plantings by 35% and free-falling grain market,” he said.

“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,” he said. 

IFA has sought a meeting with the Minister to discuss the issue as soon as possible.