Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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1719.To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he engaged with tillage farmers prior to his decision to suspend the straw incorporation measure this year; and whether his Department has conducted an analysis on the effect this will have on soil quality. [33495/24]

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.