Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 May 2011
152 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in view of the declining number of full time hill sheep farmers, his view on this sector and the policy he will put in place to make sure this sector remains vibrant and strong in marginal regions. [12964/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am committed to supporting the sheep sector, the survival of which is crucial for producers in both lowland and hill areas.
This industry, which makes a valuable contribution to the overall agri food sector, has experienced renewed confidence in recent times. Its future will depend on its ability to meet the needs of the market and in order to do this there must be a three-pronged focus on competitiveness, innovation and the demands of the consumer.
Our Programme for Government supports the overall Food Harvest 2020 Strategy, which provides a vision for Irish Agri-Food and Fisheries for the next 10 years. The strategy targets 20% growth in output value for the sheep sector by 2020 and sets out specific recommendations for the industry. Over the coming years, demand for sheepmeat on the European market is expected to outstrip production levels, which could provide opportunities for exporting countries such as Ireland, and the potential for better returns, provided the market and product diversification we have seen in recent years continues. The producer too should benefit from improved price prospects, as long as there is an increased focus on production efficiency and product quality.
The recommendations of Food Harvest 2020 for the sheep industry focus both on farm competitiveness and the processing sector. On the farm side the emphasis is on the use of on-farm labour efficiencies and new technologies, breed improvement and the production of a quality product. On the processing side, the report highlights efficiencies, innovation and improved product range.
Initiatives taken to support the sheep sector in recent years include:
The establishment of ‘Sheep Ireland' to take over the Department's current breed improvement programme and develop a new one. An interim Sheep Board, comprising representatives of farming organisations and breeders is overseeing this process, with the Irish Cattle Breeders Federation (ICBF) providing the technical and professional service required.
The establishment of the Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme in 2007. This Scheme is operated by Bord Bia and now has over 8,300 participants.
As part of its efforts to promote lamb on the home and export market, Bord Bia, together with its UK and French counterparts, is part of a generic promotion campaign on the valuable French market.
Teagasc has developed a comprehensive plan to restructure its sheep support services, including a Better Farm Programme for sheep, which aims to establish focal points for the on-farm implementation, development and evaluation of technology that is relevant to the sheep sector. This approach provides an opportunity to engage with sheep farmers on the use of the latest management practices and to identify research and development needs.
The sector has also benefitted from a number of key supports, most notably:
€7 million from the 2009 Single Farm Payment National Reserve under the Uplands Sheep Payment Scheme, which was specifically targeted at hill farmers;
€54 million for the three year grassland sheep scheme which commenced last year; and
€8 million for the sheep fencing/mobile handling equipment scheme.
In addition, Bord Bia will also spend up to €1 million this year on the promotion of sheep and lamb at home and abroad and Teagasc has allocated almost €1.5 million for sheep research for 2011.
It is my intention to pursue the implementation of the recommendations of the Food Harvest 2020 Report to ensure the development of the agri food sector.
