Payments are issuing to farmers’ accounts under the Department of Agriculture’s 2022 Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM), Protein Aid Scheme and the protein-cereal mix scheme.

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue announced that €10.6m will be paid out under the SIM alone and that the scheme’s inclusion in the new CAP shows his commitment to the tillage sector.

Some €250/ha will be paid to those who chopped cereal straw, while €150/ha is the rate for chopped oilseed straw.

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“I am delighted to confirm these important payments are now issuing to tillage farmers. Under SIM, over €10.6m will be paid to approximately 2,400 tillage farmers,” Minister McConalogue said.

“Based on its success since its introduction, I have decided to include the Straw Incorporation Measure in Ireland’s CAP strategic plan, with a commitment to run an annual scheme for the next five years in 2023-2027.”

More cash

Further cash is on the way to farmers for two other 2022 schemes, with over €3m coming from the €300/ha Protein Aid Scheme and €112,000 due under the protein-cereal mix scheme.

Around 1,000 farmers are to receive protein aid and €300 will be paid for eligible ha of beans, peas or lupins.

“Both schemes have proven to be really popular with tillage farmers in 2022, while also contributing to the long-term sustainability of the tillage sector,” the Minister added.

“In 2023, I have provided a €10m budget for the Straw Incorporation Measure and I have more than doubled the annual budget for protein aid from €3m to €7m under the CAP strategic plan.”