11th December, 2015
ICSA Sheep Chairman John Brooks has welcomed the announcement that Mediterranean markets for Irish lamb have been re-opened. “This market is most suited to well fleshed mountain type lambs with carcass weights of about 11-15kgs”, he said.
“Kepak will supply 3,000 lambs of 11-15kgs before Christmas and will re-evaluate the situation then, however there is positivity that this trade will continue into the new year”, he said. “Traditionally the Mediterranean market would have run from the end of October to the end of January so I welcome this news and the prospect of these markets developing once again”.
Mr Brooks said that this is a market that hasn’t been available for a number of years. “The decline in the Spanish and Portuguese economies in particular had a heavy impact on demand in these markets. However, Kepak have been able to take this initiative now and secured these markets due to an increase in demand”.
Mr Brooks said that many sheep farmers could benefit from this, particularly hill farmers, with good prices being secured. “Prices are pitched at French market price, currently €5.00-€5.10/kg. It’s a great outlet for mountain type lambs in the coming weeks and I would urge farmers to take advantage if they can”, he concluded.
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