The Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) scheme is designed to encourage farmers to increase soil organic carbon levels by chopping and incorporating straw from cereal crops. This will sequester carbon in tillage soils, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The incorporation of straw will also have positive impacts on soil workability. This will further improve sustainability of the tillage sector. 

Eligibility:

• Meet the definition of an “Active Farmer”.
• The eligible crops are Wheat, Oats, Barley, Rye and Oilseed Rape.
• The minimum area to be accepted on is 5 hectares with a maximum payable area of 40 hectares.
• Be aged eighteen years or over on the date of application.
• Only full parcels, sub-divisions or where necessary plots may be applied on.