Sheep farmers are poised to receive a €10/head sheep payment next year. Areas of Natural Constraint (disadvantaged areas) will also receive a €25m cash injection under the programme for Government.

New Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed has endorsed the measures, included in the draft programme for Government negotiated last week with independent TDs. “I am delighted to see the sheep sector supported, for the difference it can make to incomes and to realising the untapped potential of the sector,” he told the Irish Farmers Journal on Wednesday in his first major interview as minister.

The measure is scheduled for introduction in Budget 2017 at the end of this year, indicating that payment will start next year.

IFA president Joe Healy welcomed the funding for sheep and ANCs in the draft Government documents.