Press release
Minister McConalogue proposes scheme to bolster Fodder Supplies
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine Charlie McConalogue T.D, at a special meeting with the Farmers Charter today, proposed the introduction of a payment for baling measure to run in tandem with the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM).
This Minister had recently announced his intention to engage with Charter members on a proposal to defer the operation of the Straw Incorporation Measure in 2024, to ensure that there were sufficient supplies of straw through the winter months.
Commenting on todays meeting, the Minister said:
“In March, I recalled the National Fodder and Food Security Committee (NFFSC) to ensure that a fodder crisis would not emerge this year or over the coming winter and spring. Against a backdrop of depleted fodder reserves and poor growth rates this year, I have been clear that my aim is to see quality straw that is due to be chopped under the SIM baled for sale, while also ensuring that that SIM funding stays within the tillage sector as I committed."
“I met with farm organisations representing the majority of tillage farmers this week to discuss options for SIM that meet both of these objectives. To meet these aims, I have proposed that a baling option will be introduced to run concurrent with the SIM. Farmers can stay in the scheme and receive their payment for incorporation as normal or they can withdraw from the scheme and receive a payment for baling instead. I have proposed that those that withdraw from SIM and bale will receive a payment rate of €175/ha for baling straw in recognition of their efforts to prevent a fodder shortage."
"I have (today) engaged with the full Farmers Charter as well as the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine to discuss this option, and I welcome the broad support of all the farm organisations and elected representatives that attended these meetings."
The Minister concluded;
"I believe that pro-active action is necessary to prevent a potential fodder issue for many farmers this year. It has always been my intention to keep the funding for SIM within the sector. But of course, nothing I agree with farm bodies can make the sun shine or the grass grow and so I am encouraging livestock farmers to be proactive too. Farmers should utilise their fertiliser allowance, engage with tillage farmers about their straw or whole crop needs and talk to their advisor should they have any concerns in relation to fodder stocks for this coming winter.”
ENDS