The IFA has called on the Government to provide €30/ewe for sheep farmers in the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
Sean Dennehy, IFA Sheep Chairman, said the scheme needs a funding allocation of around €78m to deliver €30/ewe to all participants.
Mr Dennehy said the importance of this measure was reaffirmed in order to underpin the viability of sheep farmers.
“The current proposal lacks ambition to provide the opportunity for participants to generate €30/ewe and must be amended through increased/updated costings and additional practical and beneficial measures,” he said.
Mr Dennehy believes the reference period must reflect the level of activity on farms. New entrants to the sector must be allowed time to establish their flocks while participating in the scheme and have this recognised in the reference numbers.
The IFA Sheep Committee has also included a proposal to include shearing as an action in the scheme.
“Shearing has become a very expensive practice for sheep farmers due to collapse in the wool market. This is a critical animal health and welfare measure, which is ideally placed for inclusion in the sheep scheme,” he added.
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