Macra welcomes Minister’s decision on straw incorporation measure

The decision by the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue announced today on the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) is welcomed by Macra, who had expressed their concern over its withdrawal for the tillage sector, and especially for farmers committed to the scheme. 

‘It is important for farmers that policy tools provide certainty, and help to build resilience especially against the backdrop of a difficult winter and what may be a challenging winter to come if fodder stocks are not restored’ said Elaine Houlihan Macra President 

In particular Macra welcomes the flexibility within the scheme to opt out or partially opt out so that farmers can manage conditions on the ground.

This provides a critical management tool for tillage farmers given the current weather we are experiencing, while ensuring that the money ring fenced for tillage farmers remains in the sector.

‘We must now look forward and continue work together with greater engagement to find innovative solutions to our pending fodder crises not just for this year but into the future’ said Elaine Houlihan Macra President.