It means that more than 66,000 hectares of cereals and oilseed rape submitted for chopping and incorporating under the scheme in 2025 has been approved. Minister Heydon said: “The SIM has proven to be a very popular scheme with tillage farmers again in 2025. Along with giving tillage farmers an economic boost, it is also ensuring an increase in carbon sequestration and shows the commitment of Irish farmers to the climate and environment.”
He added that while farmers will receive their acceptance letters for the SIM in the coming weeks, it is possible for farmers to withdraw from the scheme in certain circumstances, for example where straw is required for livestock feeding. He encourage livestock and tillage farmers to engage fully in the coming weeks to ensure that the needs of both sectors are met.”
IFA grain chair, Kieran McEvoy said straw yields on crops this year will be very varied. “Crops such as winter barley and winter wheat look very promising but many spring barley crops unfortunately look set to produce well below average yields of grain and straw and the SIM payment will be a particularly important economic support for these crops,” he said.
“Income prospects for tillage in 2025 remain on the floor and confidence among growers is at very low ebb with many leaving the sector. The combination of a decline in world grain markets to prices sub €200/t, high input and overhead costs and very moderate yield prospects for our largest crop, spring barley, will mean margins will decline significantly this year,” he added. The IFA believes that a five-year €250/ha support payment should be introduced for tillage farmers to help stabilise sector.
Farmers can contact the department regarding their SIM payment, can ring the helpline at 057-8674422 or can email