Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

When Deputy Martin Browne first suggested that the committee talk about sheep milk, some of us might have been a bit sceptical but the presentation from Sheep Milk Ireland was really interesting. As a member of a committee that is keen on exploring avenues for farmers to diversify, I think this sector might need further work. Is a particular type of land very suitable or unsuitable? We know a lot of sheep farmers with whom we deal operate on very peripheral land. Does that have an impact on the sheep milk sector in the same way as it may do on bovine? Has Teagasc carried out any research into this sector's potential for growth? Has Sheep Milk Ireland engaged with Bord Bia?