Lowry: Suspension of straw incorporation measure must be abolished

MP Michael Lowry believes a proposal to suspend the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) for the current year should be scrapped, adding that the news has sent shockwaves through the arable farming industry.

He was responding to information from a press release from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, in which the Minister stressed the importance of striking a balance between straw availability next winter and the benefits of the project for the environment and soil health.

Minister McConalogue said in the statement: “Last winter depleted national straw reserves, resulting in very little straw being available in the early months of this year,” adding: “Although growth is currently improving, indications suggest that feed supplies are still below desired levels.”

In response to this statement, Rep. Lowry questioned the timing of such a decision, saying the harvest was already underway.

“The timing of this decision is particularly concerning. Many farmers have made their planting decisions and financial projections with the SIM payment in mind. Suspending the SIM program will put these farmers in a difficult position and create uncertainty and stress in the farming community.”

He says: “Introduced in 2021, SIM has been instrumental in increasing soil organic carbon levels on arable farms and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It has brought both environmental benefits and financial relief to farmers in an industry that is struggling due to rising input costs and weather difficulties.”

“The proposed suspension of this regulation is seen as a further blow to an already struggling industry,” he said.

“The ministry’s press release cites the shortage of straw as the reason for suspending the scheme. However, the scheme allows farmers to withdraw if there is a demand for straw, which offers farmers great flexibility. The decision to suspend the scheme appears to have been taken without consultation with state ministers or other agricultural organisations, which is deeply worrying.

“Fortunately, the press release states that this is only a ‘proposal’ and that cooperation with the Farmers Charter and the CAP Monitoring Committee will start shortly. This leaves room for a retraction of this announcement.

“The arable farming sector is an important part of our country’s economy and environment. Decisions that undermine its stability and viability should not be taken lightly or without careful consultation and consideration. I will demand that this engagement begins as soon as possible,” he concluded.