Straw call 'damaged' relationships with farmer says Laois representative

Farmers were shocked at the decision in the Department of Agriculture to stop payments for chopping straw and incorporating it into the soil after harvest, according to Laois councillor Vivienne Phelan.

The Fine Gael representative, who heard many complaints from Laois farmers about the move, also welcomed  the decision by Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Charlie McConalogue, to reinstate the Straw Incorporation Measure.

A statement from Cllr Phelan said the decision followed an original announcement by Minister McConalogue to suddenly suspend the scheme without any apparent meaningful consultation with farmers, at a time when many in the tillage sector had already commenced harvesting.

Cllr Phelan commented following what she said were several days of uncertainty for the tillage sector.

"I received a lot of phone calls and emails from farmers in my area regarding their concerns about the original decision to put the scheme on hold, there was a significant negative reaction, and many farmers in the tillage sector were shocked by the decision. I was in disbelief that the scheme could be stopped, without any consultation with farming representative groups, especially at a time when farmers already had a plan in place for the year.

"As a practicing vet, I fully understand the concerns regarding the availability of fodder for the coming winter. However this scheme already allows flexibility for farmers to make appropriate resourcing decisions. I believe we must trust farmers to make judgement calls on these matters, and these events over the last week, has in my view damaged the relationship between farmers and the Department.

"While I welcome the decision to reinstate the scheme, it should never have been suspended at the last minute, causing significant stress to farmers around the country," she said.

The Graiguecullen Portarlington Municipal District councillor commended her party colleague and Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Martin Heydon for "his leadership on this issue".

When he announced he would suspend the scheme on July 17, the Minister highlighted the fodder shortage farmers could face this winter. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Minister McConalogue walks land in Ballybrittas with Laois and Kildare tillage farmers this spring to hear about the crisis facing the sector caused by weather and other issues. Pic: Maxwells

“Last winter depleted national reserves of straw and resulted in very little availability in the early months of this year. At present, although growth is improving, the indications are that fodder is still behind where we would like to be,” he said.

Farmers who sow oats, rye, wheat or barley get €250 per hectare under the scheme. Oil seed rape growers are paid €150 per hectare.