Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2024
1719. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he engaged with tillage farmers prior to his decision to suspend the straw incorporation measure this year; and whether his Department has conducted an analysis on the effect this will have on soil quality. [33495/24]
View answerThe difficult weather in early 2024 has resulted in extremely low fodder supplies in the country, including straw. As a consequence of this I recently proposed a deferral of the 2024 Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) and indicated that I would engage with the Farmers' Charter on the matter. I made this proposal balancing the need to ensure adequate supplies of straw are available for the coming winter with the environmental and soil health benefits of the scheme.
I am anticipating that demand for straw will be strong this year due to the current shortage. This demand will ensure tillage farmers should have a ready market for their output. I again urge all farmers to ensure they have secured supplies of straw and fodder for the winter ahead and to engage promptly with tillage farmers on this matter.
I am at present engaging with farm bodies and with the European Commission on this matter, and will make a final decision shortly.
