A total of 75 Laois farmers will receive payments totaling just under €275,000 under the new Straw Incorporation measure.
The total for Laois farmers who will receive these payments amounts to €274,031, which was confirmed by Minister for State at the Department of Finance, Sean Fleming.
“The purpose of these payments is to encourage tillage farmers to increase soil organic carbon levels by chopping and incorporating straw from cereal and oilseed crops,” said the Laois-Offaly TD.
“The incorporation of straw will also have positive impact on soil biology and soil workability and will improve the environmental sustainability of the tillage sector.
“The amount of payments to farmers who committed to chopping and incorporating straw from cereal crops (barley, wheat, oats and rye) is €250 per hectare with oilseeds being paid at €150 per hectare.
“This scheme is to encourage the re-use and re-cycling of straw. It is a perfect example of how to minimise our carbon footprint.
“The straw will be ploughed back into the ground and will have a positive impact on the soil and increase sustainability in agriculture.
“I am pleased to see this measure being introduced and the proposed continuation of this payment in the future for tillage farmers.”
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