Farming: All applicants accepted into the Straw Incorporation Measure
Over 66,000 hectares of cereals and oilseed rape straw has been submitted for chopping and incorporating in 2025.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, has announced that all applicants for the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) have been accepted into the scheme for 2025.
Minister Heydon commented: “The Straw Incorporation Measure has proven to be a very popular scheme with tillage farmers again in 2025.
“To ensure all farmers who have applied can be paid, I have made certain that the necessary funding is in place.
“Over 66,000 hectares of cereals and oilseed rape straw has been submitted for chopping and incorporating in 2025.
“This scheme, along with giving tillage farmers an economic boost, is also ensuring an increase in carbon sequestration and shows the commitment of Irish farmers to the climate and environment.” Farmers will receive their acceptance letters for SIM in the coming weeks.
It is possible for farmers to withdraw from the scheme in certain circumstances, such as where straw is required for livestock feeding.
“I would encourage livestock and tillage farmers to engage fully in the coming weeks to ensure that the needs of both sectors are met,” said Minister Heydon.
Farmers wishing to contact the department regarding their Straw Incorporation payment, can ring the Direct Payments Helpline at 057-8674422 or by email to Tillage@agriculture.gov.ie.
The Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) is a scheme under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023 - 2027.
The scheme is designed to provide financial support for tillage farmers to increase soil organic carbon levels by chopping and incorporating straw from cereal and oilseed rape crops.
The rate of payment will be €250 per hectare for oats, wheat, rye and barley, and €150 for oilseed rape, with a minimum claim of five hectares and maximum claim of 40 hectares.
3,057 applications have been received to date.
Applicants can apply for greater than 40 hectares under SIM, but payment is maxed at 40 hectares.
Any applicants wishing to withdraw from the Straw Incorporation Measure or reduce their area may do so in duly justified cases if the applicant has not been notified of an issue with their application or notified of an inspection.
