Sinn Féin spokesperson on Agriculture, Claire Kerrane TD, has called on Minister McConalogue to engage with the Tillage sector immediately, following the announcement from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine that the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) 2024 from the European Commission may be deferred.

The European Commission’s SIM is an important Agri-Environmental payment to tillage farmers to chop their straw and incorporate it into soil. This in turn aims to increase soil organic carbon levels and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The total payments given to participants in the SIM last year amounted to €12.3 million. Minister McConalogue believes that suspending the payments for 2024 would increase the availability of straw this winter.

Teachta Kerrane said:

“From the outset of the Straw Incorporation Measure being put in place, there has been a lack of clarity and detail from the Minister and the Department. Now that this payment may be taken away from the sector, there is no denying that tillage farmers are outraged at this latest announcement.

“The Irish Graingrowers, who represent many tillage farmers in the sector, have been clear in their total opposition to this proposal from the Minister.

“I am urging the Minister to properly engage with those within the sector, including the Irish Graingrowers, and to take their considerations on board before making a definite decision. Taking away this payment would pose drastic consequences for farmers whose livelihood depends on such financial supports. Tillage farmers have been planning and developing their practices to qualify under the scheme. It is extremely unfair that this payment may now be taken away.

“Those in the tillage sector have been under incredible pressure with poor weather conditions both last year and this year. This is another wallop for a sector that they simply cannot take.

“Again, I am calling on the Minister to thoroughly discuss the Straw Incorporation Measure with those within the tillage sector and to understand the harsh consequences that suspending the measure will have.”