Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Charlie McConalogue today (Wednesday 17 July) announced his intention to ask the European Commission to postpone the straw integration measure from 2024.

Minister McConalogue said that while he understood that arable farmers “may be disappointed by this move”, due to shortages and the need to replenish stocks, there was “a very strong market for straw this year”.

The minister will now discuss his proposal to suspend the measure for this year with the Farmers Charter and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Monitoring Committee before seeking EU approval.

“I remain firmly committed to achieving the straw incorporation targets throughout the duration of the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) strategic plan,” the minister said, proposing the suspension.

Straw incorporation measure

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

“Last winter, depleted national straw reserves meant that very little straw was available in the first months of this year.

“Growth is currently improving, but there are signs that feed production is still below what we would like.”

In light of the recommendations of the National Fodder and Food Security Committee (NFFSC) last week, the Minister said:

“It is vital for all farmers to ensure they have sufficient straw and forage stocks for the coming winter.

“I urge all those who need straw to work with farmers to ensure their supply for the coming winter.”

During last week’s committee meeting, Shay Phelan, tillage specialist at Teagasc, advised farmers to plant straw as early as possible this year.

Phelan said preliminary figures show total grain acreage has fallen by 7,800 hectares this year due to a poor planting season and pressure from grassland.

He estimated that overall grain yields could decline by 100,000 to 150,000 tonnes this year, but added that it was too early in the season to make concrete predictions.