Crop production – Proposal to suspend straw incorporation measure for 2024 – Teagasc

Irish Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Charlie McConalogue today, 19 July, announced his intention to request a postponement of the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) to 2024 from the European Commission.

Regarding the program, the Minister stressed the importance of balancing straw availability in the coming winter and the benefits the program would bring for the environment and soil health.

Making the announcement, Minister McConalogue said: “Last winter, national straw reserves were depleted, resulting in very low availability in the early months of this year. Although growth is currently improving, there are signs that forage is still below what we would like.”

“While I understand that arable farmers may be disappointed by this move, there is a very strong market for straw this year due to shortages and the need to replenish stocks. I remain fully committed to meeting the straw incorporation targets over the life of the CAP Strategic Plan.”

Referring to the recommendations made following the National Fodder and Food Security Committee (NFFSC) meeting last week, the minister said: “It is vital for all farmers to ensure they have sufficient stocks of straw and fodder for the coming winter. I urge all those in need of straw to contact arable farmers to ensure their stocks are secured for the coming winter.”

As a next step in deferring the measure, Minister McConalogue will now speak to the Farmers Charter and the CAP Monitoring Committee about the proposal to suspend the measure for this year before submitting an application for approval to the EU.

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