Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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1679.To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure the straw incorporation measure is maintained in its current form given many farmers are already contracted to this scheme it would have a detrimental effect in many cases; and his views on whether the long-term benefits of this scheme need to be safeguarded. [32624/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The 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.