Baling Assistance Payment (BAP) 2024

A new Baling Assistance Payment 2024 will be provided as an additional scheme to bolster fodder supplies which will run in tandem with the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM).

This payment will allow farmers the flexibility to choose whether to receive funding by chopping straw under SIM or by baling it under the new Baling Assistance Payment.

Any 2024 eligible SIM participant can apply for the payment and information on how to apply will issue to all SIM applicants shortly.

1. SIM Applicants must notify DAFM in writing of their wish to withdraw SIM eligible parcel(s) at which point they will be provided the option to apply for the BAP.

2. BAP application form and Terms and Conditions will be issued directly to the SIM applicant on notification of a SIM parcel withdrawal.

3. All eligible crops on parcels applied on for BAP, must be harvested and thereafter the straw baled.

4. Applicants must provide Geo-tagged photos of the baled straw in the parcel(s) under which they are applying for BAP.

5. The minimum eligible area for application will be 1 ha up to a maximum of the SIM 40ha limit.

6. Applicants will be subject to the individual state aid limit of €20,000 as set out in the Commission Regulation (EU)1408/2013

More detailed information will be provided in the Terms and Conditions of the Baling Assistance Scheme which will be sent to SIM applicants who notify of a parcel withdrawal.

Payment is set at €175 per hectare for SIM eligible parcels withdrawn from the SIM scheme where the straw has been baled.

The application form will issue directly to BAP eligible applicants on notification of SIM parcel withdrawal.

The form must be completed and returned to:

Additional Information

Queries can be directed to: Phone (057) 8674422 or tillage@agriculture.gov.ie