Suspension of straw incorporation measure must be scrapped – Lowry

Deputy Michael Lowry says that a proposal to suspend the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) for the current year must be scrapped, adding that this news has sent shockwaves through the tillage sector.

He was responding to information contained in a Press Release from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, in which the Minister emphasised the importance of balancing the availability of straw in the coming winter and the environmental and soil health benefits of the scheme.

Minister McConalogue said in the Statement that ‘Last winter depleted national reserves of straw and resulted in very little availability in the early months of this year’ and added that ‘At present, although growth is improving, the indications are that fodder is still behind where we would like to be.”

In response to this Statement, Deputy Lowry questioned the timing of such a decision saying that the harvest is already underway.

‘The timing of this decision is particularly concerning. Many farmers made planting decisions and financial projections with the SIM payment in mind. The suspension of the SIM scheme will leave these farmers in a difficult position, creating uncertainty and stress within the tillage farming community.’

He says that ‘The SIM, introduced in 2021, has been instrumental in increasing soil organic carbon levels on tillage holdings and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It has provided both environmental benefits and financial relief to farmers in an industry that has been struggling due to rising input costs and weather difficulties.

‘The proposed suspension of this scheme is seen as another blow to an already beleaguered industry’ he stated.

‘The Department’s Press Release cites the scarcity of straw as the reason for pausing the scheme. However, the scheme allows farmers to withdraw if there is a demand for straw, affording great flexibility to farmers. The decision to suspend the scheme seems to have been made without consultation with junior ministers or other farm organisations, which is deeply troubling.

‘Fortunately, the Press Release states that this is only a “proposal” and that engagement with the Farmers Charter and the CAP Monitoring Committee will commence shortly. This leaves room for a reversal of this announcement.

‘The tillage sector is a vital part of our country’s economy and environment. Decisions that undermine its stability and profitability should not be made lightly, or without thorough consultation and consideration. I will be requesting that this engagement should begin as soon as possible’ he concluded.