Michael Healy-Rae is standing in solidarity with sheep farmers who have been severely impacted by the economic downturn caused by the pandemic and Brexit.
As the prices for sheep farmers remain 70c a kilo behind last year, and input costs continue to soar, they are bringing their urgent message to the doorstep of the Minister for Agriculture.
Deputy Michael Healy-Rae, has once again called on the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue, to urgently intervene.
A Meagre €7 Per Ewe
“Recent Teagasc data suggests that margins of meagre €7 per ewe were obtained by sheep farmers in 2022 (equivalent to the price of a pint in Dublin), highlighting the magnitude of the challenges faced by farms,” said Deputy Healy Rae.
With lamb prices nearly €16 behind last year’s levels, sheep farmers are heading towards a critical situation if immediate action is not taken by the Minister,” he said.
“Sheep farmers from across the country have contacted us to express the shocking reality that their margins have been obliterated. In fact, the Teagasc data points to a plummeting by an astounding 81% to a measly €7 per ewe in 2022. Without immediate government support, the situation will be even more dire in 2023.
Calling on Minister McConalogue
“We are calling on Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue to listen to the calls for direct supports to be provided to sheep farmers to offset the substantial increase in input costs and unviable prices returned from the market. My colleagues and I in the Rural Independent group have been calling since last September for the foundation of these supports to be built upon a €30 per ewe premium to maintain the sustainability of this low-income vulnerable farming sector.
“It is unacceptable for the Minister to dither and take so long to commit to making any intervention to support this sector, which sustains 36,000 farms across some of the country’s most challenging land types.
Negative Consequences
The substantial Brexit Adjustment Reserve fund is available to be utilized to support such sectors as the sheep sector. The negative consequences of Brexit have a significant impact on the sheep sector, paving the way for funds to be made available. The drawn-out failure of the Minister to address this crisis is leading to ongoing losses and acute financial strain on sheep farmers.”
“The Rural Independent TDs are urging the Minister for Agriculture to act quickly to ensure the survival of the sheep farming sector. Immediate financial aid is needed to offset the high input costs and low market prices, and the Minister must act before it’s too late,” Deputy Healy Rae concluded.
You can contact The Maine Valley Post on… Anyone in The Maine Valley Post catchment area who would like to send us news and captioned photographs for inclusion can send them to: jreidy@mainevalleypost.com Queries about advertising and any other matters regarding The Maine Valley Post can also be sent to that address or just ring: 087 23 59 467.
