ICSA Sheep chair Sean McNamara has called for all sheep farmers and all those who care about the future of sheep farming to attend ICSA’s sheep sector crisis meeting tomorrow night (Tuesday 21 March) in Carrick-on-Shannon.
Speaking ahead of the meeting Mr McNamara said, “The value of sheepmeat exports increased by 17% to total €476m during 2022 but individual sheep farmers cannot make a viable living. Their profits certainly haven’t gone up by 17%, in fact they have gone down by 81% to a margin of €7 per ewe, all while the cost of production has risen significantly. The processors and the retailers might be making money out of sheep farming but the sector at primary producer level is in crisis and time is running out. If there is to be a future for the sector it needs to be an equitable one, one where primary producers can make a viable living – and not just profits for processors and retailers.”
“I am inviting all sheep farmers and those with a genuine interest in the future of sheep farming in Ireland to come along tomorrow night and have their say.”
ICSA’s sheep sector crisis meeting is taking place in place in The Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon and will start at 8pm.
Speakers on the evening include:
- Oliver Crowe, C.C Agricultural Consultants – Maximising payments under the new CAP
- Bord Bia – Market outlook and the promotion of Irish lamb
- Sean McNamara, ICSA Sheep chair – ICSA’s campaign for an emergency aid package for sheep farmers and additional funding for the Sheep Improvement Scheme
All media welcome to attend.
ENDS
