Just over 800 tillage farmers have applied for the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) programme since it opened on 22 March.
The Department of Agriculture launched the pilot scheme which offers farmers payment for chopping straw and incorporating it into the soil after harvest to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Payment will be provided at the rate of €250/ha for farmers who chop and incorporate oats, rye, wheat or barley into the soil. Farmers who incorporate oil seed rape will receive €150/ha.
Under the scheme farmers can opt to chop a minimum of 5ha and a maximum of 40ha.
If the SIM becomes over-subscribed applicants will be placed into tiers based on their 2021 BPS application data.
The measure aims to support tillage farmers to increase soil organic carbon levels by chopping and incorporating straw from combinable crops. This is expected to sequester carbon in tillage soils and improve environmental sustainability.
Bobby Miller of the Irish Grain Growers’ Group (IGGG) described the number of applicants as “encouraging.”
“We would like to think, at this stage, that the SIM will be carried into future years which will aid the agricultural sector in meeting its climate and eco targets. It will hopefully help to increase the tillage area in Ireland and reduce food/feed miles for the country,” Mr Miller added.
Applications for SIM close on Monday 17 May.
LSL News.