After a week of talks, farming bodies have welcomed a decision by Minister Charlie McConalogue to reinstate in full the Straw Incorporation Scheme that he suspended last week.
The scheme incentivises farmers to chop the straw from their crops. As well as being an environmental measure that improves soil health, farmers are paid approximately €100 per acre (€250 per hectare) up to a maximum of 100 acres/40 hectare.
Due to fears over a fodder shortage this winter, the Minister suspended the scheme last week, something that considerably frustrated farmers given that harvesting had already started on this year’s crops.
In a joint statement, the IFA and Irish Grain Growers welcomed the move.
“The announcement by the Minister last week was an error of judgement and caused huge stress and uncertainty for tillage farmers,” said the statement.
“It was a model of how not to do things and it can never be repeated in relation to any scheme in any sector.
“The reality is that the tillage sector is already in the middle of a very challenging year due to weather challenges and low projected grain prices.”
SEE ALSO – Sixteen young players to watch out for as the 2024 Senior Football Championship gets underway
