The Irish Natura & Hill Farmers Association is calling on Minister Coveney to deliver a much needed support package for the sheep sector. Speaking after their National Planning meeting INHFA Policy spokesperson Colm O Donnell stated that “delegates present were very angry with Minister Coveney and indeed other farming lobby groups who signed off on the Rural Development Program without a targeted measure for the sheep sector”
The INHFA believe that a €30million package could deliver the equivalent of €20 per ewe for lowland sheep and €30 per ewe for hill sheep which is the most financially distressed sector in Irish agriculture based on Teagasc figures.
Mr O Donnell added that “with costs in the sheep sector continuing to rise while markets remain volatile farmers need to know there is an income stream they can be sure of and this can only be provided with direct supports”
Mr O Donnell concluded by saying “that any money targeted at the sheep sector will deliver for farmers, the rural communities and the economy as a whole and we hope the minister and his officials recognise this and act on it”
