Ireland: Sheep Crisis Calls for Urgent Action

“Last year’s margin of just €7 per sheep, presented by Teagasc at the IFA National Sheep Meeting in Athlone at the end of January, clearly showed the extent of the problems on farms in 2022. Sheep farmers will face a critical situation if Agriculture Secretary Charlie McConnalog does not take urgent action,” he said.

Kevin Comiskey said the minister convened a working group over a month ago to put forward proposals to address the crisis in the sector. “The sector is in crisis. Sheep farmers need immediate direct support to offset the huge increase in input costs seen on farms and unsustainable prices in the market,” he stressed.

Support for sheep breeders should be increased to 30 euros per sheep to support this vulnerable low-income sector, which contributed more than 475 million euros in the value of exports to the national economy last year - an increase of 17% - while the margin was reduced by more than 80%. 

Kevin Comiskey said it's understandable that it takes time for officials to implement a support scheme for sheep farmers, but what's unacceptable is how long it takes the minister to set out his intentions for supporting sheep farmers in this crisis. 

IFA Chairman Sheep said the minister had a substantial fund of money in reserve to adjust for the effects of Brexit, which must be used or it would be lost. The sheep sector has suffered more than most other sectors from the negative effects of leaving the EU and should be supported through this fund.