IFA & IGG Statement on Re-instatement of Straw Incorporation Scheme

The IFA and IGG said that it was vital that the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) had now been re-instated in full.

It is also important that a guarantee had been given by the Minister that all applicants to the scheme will be paid regardless of the outcome of ranking and selection process.

The announcement by the Minister last week was an error of judgement and caused huge stress and uncertainty for tillage farmers.

It was a model of how not to do things and it can never be repeated in relation to any scheme in any sector.

The reality is that the tillage sector is already in the middle of a very challenging year due to weather challenges and low projected grain prices.

Earlier this year, the Minister announced that he would pay each farmer who planted crops in 2024 a minimum of €100 per hectare. The Minister doubled down on this commitment during our negotiations this week. However, we want to stress that a significantly higher payment will be required to assist farmers in 2024 and to keep them in the sector.