Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 355: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will initiate a direct payment of €10 per ewe to sheep farmers here who are leaving the industry on a daily basis, whereby this payment would stop the exodus from the sheep industry and help to develop same into the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10247/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The possible re-introduction of the ewe premium is one of several recommendations made in a report by Liam Aylward, MEP, to the European Parliament on 25th February 2008, addressing issues in the sheep sector. The EU Council of Ministers will, at my request, discuss the development of the sheep sector at its next meeting on 17th March.

I am mindful of the challenges facing the sheep sector. The sheep sector is an important part of the overall agri-food sector and its future depends on its ability to meet the needs of the market. The Sheep Industry Strategy Development Group and the subsequent Implementation Group set the blueprint for the sector's future development. Most of the recommendations fall to be implemented by the industry itself but my Department and the state agencies under my aegis are also playing an active role. Under REPS 4, a new mixed grazing measure specially targeted at sheep farmers has been introduced and I am keeping developments in this measure under review.

The plans for the upgrading of a Sheep Genetic Improvement Programme have been advanced. The next stage of the process is to agree an interim structure and framework for a new breed improvement programme and extensive consultation with all stakeholders is planned in forthcoming months. My Department is taking the lead in arranging these consultations with the involvement of the farm bodies, pedigree breeders, Teagasc and ICBF. It is hoped that agreement can be reached and a new programme put in place for the 2008/2009 sheep breeding year.

Transparency on pricing is a prerequisite for efforts to improve quality and respond to the needs of the market. Farmer confidence in the pricing system operated by plants will be improved if mechanical grading can be introduced. My Department is facilitating trials on this that are set to begin later this month. Teagasc are making a very positive contribution as well and have developed a comprehensive plan to restructure their sheep support services, including a programme for Technology Evaluation and Transfer farms, which includes hill and lowland areas. This approach will provide an opportunity for developing a dialogue with sheep farmers about the application of the latest management practices to their enterprises and identify research and development needs.

The Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme was established in 2007. Bord Bia is also playing a prominent part. A total of 4,683 farms have been registered to date and 2,501 farm audits have been carried out. In 2007 the Department made available €0.4m to support inspections under the scheme and this funding will be repeated again in 2008 and 2009.

In addition to the measures being taken at producer and processor level, promotional efforts are very necessary. Bord Bia will continue to organise strategic marketing campaigns marketing in selected European markets. The downward trend in lamb consumption in certain markets presents a real challenge. To address this, Bord Bia is collaborating with its French and British counterparts on a 3 year generic lamb promotion on the very important French market to promote lamb to younger consumers.