The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has told Agriland that growers and farmers who have applied to the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) should receive letters with a decision on their application "shortly".

While the harvest is underway, tillage farmers have been left in limbo as to what to do about straw, which is causing much stress and anxiety in the sector.

A spokesperson for the department told Agriland: "[Agriculture] Minister [Martin] Heydon is acutely aware how important SIM is to tillage farmers, that harvest is progressing rapidly and also the importance of farmers having certainty.

The agriculture minister has come under increased pressure to pay 2026 SIM applications in full.

According to Irish Grain Growers' Group (IGGG) representative, Clive Carter, an additional €6.8 million will be required to top up the previously allocated 2026 SIM budget of €10 million.

“Given the current financial pressures impacting on tillage farmers, it is important that the minister meets the SIM applications now registered in full," Carter said.

“And there is money available to make this happen. The scheme is set to continue through until the end of the 2027 harvest.

"This means there is a total of €20 million ringfenced for the measure over the next two years.

“So, there is no reason why the minister cannot take the extra monies required to fully meet the 2026 applications from next year’s annual SIM budget," he said.

Specifications for straw

One option the IGGG has said it will not accept in relation to SIM 2026, is the removal of specific straw types from the schemes at this late stage.

“This is an absolute non starter. Harvest 2026 is progressing at a very fast pace with many cereal growers having already chopped oat and rape straw," Carter continued.

“Given these circumstances it is imperative that the minister makes a final decision on SIM as quickly as possible.”

Meanwhile, significant numbers of grain growers are being asked not to incorporate straw by their livestock farming neighbours.

It's understood livestock farmers are asking for straw to be baled behind the combine or they will get contractors to do the job.

Dairy and beef producers are said to be concerned about future forage stocks, with the prospect of more hot dry weather and therefore view the straw now becoming available as a buffering option.

Additional reporting by Stella Meehan