Suspension of the straw integration measure “a solo effort” – Gorman

The President of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), Francie Gorman, has sharply criticised the proposal by the Irish Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Charlie McConalogue, to suspend the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM).

The Minister announced today (Wednesday 17 July) his intention to ask the European Commission to postpone the programme until 2024.

While McConalogue acknowledged that arable farmers “may be disappointed by this move,” he added that there is a “very strong market for straw” this year due to shortages and the need to replenish stocks.

The minister said he would approach the Farmers’ Charter and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Monitoring Committee before asking the EU to approve his proposal.

Straw incorporation measure

IFA President Francie Gorman described the decision as “a solo effort” that was announced without any consultation and failed to take into account the enormous challenges facing the arable farming sector.

“There is no doubt that there are concerns about feed availability for the coming winter.

“However, it is necessary for the minister to meet with all stakeholders and develop a proper plan that takes into account all sectors and all options.

“The SIM has proven to be a positive for arable farmers under very difficult conditions,” he said.

Gorman noted that the plan was discussed during a recent meeting of the National Fodder and Food Security Committee (NFFSC).

“Although there were discussions about the straw chipping measure, there was no consensus and not even a formal proposal to suspend the measure.

“The minister has now completely ignored this group and continued with his own announcements,” he said.

Arable farmers

IFA Grains Committee Chairman Kieran McEvoy said the move would be very disillusioning for arable farmers.

“In fact, arable farmers can opt out of the program if they want to. If this option is left open until after harvest, much of the better straw will be baled rather than ploughed under.

“The straw from some crops is not suitable for animal feed, so removing this straw comes at the expense of farmers,” he said.

McEvoy said arable farmers’ incomes would take a “hit” in 2024 due to bad weather, a 35% decline in winter plantings and a grain market in freefall.

“The minister himself announced at the beginning of the year that he wanted to support arable farmers with a premium of at least 100 euros per hectare.

“There are still no or hardly any details on this and now the minister is cutting payments to arable farmers,” he said.

The IFA has sought a meeting with Minister McConalogue to discuss the matter as soon as possible.