This is a subscriber-only article
Sheep farmers must be included in any support package offered to the beef sector in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA) has said.
It comes after news that Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed will present a proposal to Cabinet for a €50m package to compensate beef farmers.
ICSA sheep chair Sean McNamara said: “Sheep farmers have been hit with the same market instability as beef farmers and should be entitled to receive some comparable aid,” he said.
All family farms have taken a big financial hit
McNamara believed a “family farm support package” would be a better solution.
“All family farms have taken a big financial hit as a result of COVID-19, so all family farms should be recognised in any forthcoming support package.
“In the past, we have had an exceptional aid package for beef farmers in the form of the BEAM scheme, yet despite repeated requests, sheep farmers received nothing. Sheep farmers must not be forgotten in all this; we will not stand back and be ignored again,” McNamara warned.
Young farmers
Macra na Ferime has also called on Minister Creed to prioritise young farmers, as they were more exposed by investments needed on farm.
Macra president Thomas Duffy said it was important the scheme did not turn beef farmers against each other.
No farmers should be left out, including those in dairy beef, he said and there should be no requirement to reduce stocking rate like there had been in the last beef aid scheme.
“Bull beef finishers have seen quotes drop harder over the past two years. This is a vital section of the trade which must be protected,” said Duffy.
SHARING OPTIONS: