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

Francie Gorman, President of the IFA has criticised the Minister for Agriculture’s decision to suspend the Straw Incorporation Measure saying it was taken without any consultation and was a solo run that showed no consideration for the significant 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 ( Straw Incorporation Measure)  has been positive for tillage farmers during very tough conditions,” he said 

The matter of straw chopping was discussed at an online meeting of the Fodder and Food Security Committee, but its proposed suspension was not brought up.  

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

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

IFA Grain chair Kieran McEvoy spoke about the disillusionment that the move will cause among tillage farmers.  

“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.” 

“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.”  

The IFA have requested to meet with the Minister for Agriculture to discuss the matter as soon as possible