2721. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether any temporary measures are under consideration to increase straw availability, including enhanced baling supports, amendments to the straw incorporation measure or other interventions, in light of concerns regarding fodder and straw supplies arising from current weather conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61886/26]

2722. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department has undertaken an assessment of the impact of the straw incorporation measure on commercial straw availability during the 2026 harvest season; and if he will provide details of any such assessment. [61885/26]

2723. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current estimate of national straw stocks and projected straw availability for the 2026/27 season; whether his Department has identified any risk of shortages for livestock farmers, mushroom producers or other agricultural users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61884/26]

2727. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the engagement his Department has had with representatives of the mushroom industry regarding reported concerns over straw supplies; and the steps being taken to ensure an adequate supply of wheaten straw for mushroom production over the coming year. [61887/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2721, 2722, 2723 and 2727 together.

The Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) is a support Measure for tillage farmers under the CAP Strategic Plan.

The Measure encourages tillage farmers to increase soil organic carbon levels by chopping and incorporating straw from combinable crops. This will sequester carbon in tillage soils, thereby reducing Green House Gas emissions and will further improve the environmental sustainability of the sector. There are additional potential environmental benefits in terms of reducing soil compaction often associated with the removal of straw and subsequent application of imported manures.

As per the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme and as I indicated when I announced that all farmers had been accepted into the scheme, farmers can withdraw from the scheme at any point prior to harvest as long as they have not been notified of an issue with their application or notified of an inspection. A significant number of farmers have taken up this option in view of the demands for straw from both the Mushroom Industry and from farmers for forage and bedding.

In 2026 over 257,000 hectares of wheat, oats, barley and rye have been grown in Ireland. Prior to withdrawals from SIM approximately 22% of the cereal area was committed to SIM, meaning the majority was available to both the Mushroom Industry and farmers for bedding and feed purposes.

The Mushroom and tillage sectors are key parts of the agricultural economy. At meetings with my Department I understand direct engagement between the mushroom industry and tillage farmers was encouraged to ensure that the individual needs of both sectors are met.

There are no plans at present to amend the SIM scheme.