Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 64: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he is taking to support the sheep industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26043/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The sheep sector benefits significantly from the main schemes operated by my Department — the Single Farm Payment, the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and REPS. I also took account of the needs of this sector in deciding that the €7 million available from the National Reserve in 2009, should be used on a new Uplands Sheep Payment, which is expected to benefit approximately 14,000 hill sheep farmers. In addition, Bord Bia will spend up to €1 million on the promotion of sheep and lamb at home and abroad in 2009, and Teagasc has allocated almost €1.5 million for sheep research.

I have frequently expressed the view that the report of the Sheep Industry Development Strategy Group provides a proper framework for the future development of the sheep sector. While most of the group's recommendations are the responsibility of the industry itself, a number are within the remit of my Department and the State agencies under my aegis, who have made very good progress in bringing them to fruition:

'Sheep Ireland' has been established 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 will oversee this process, with the Irish Cattle Breeders Federation (ICBF) providing the technical and professional service required.

My Department secured European Commission approval for a new supplementary measure in REPS 4 promoting mixed grazing of cattle and sheep. Under this supplementary measure a farmer can qualify for a top up on his or her basic REPS payment.

The results of a trial to examine the feasibility of mechanical carcase classification for lamb, which was conducted last year, are being examined. It is hoped that the system will allow for the accurate and objective mechanical classification of lamb carcases and will gain universal industry support. This would aid greatly in price transparency, which is a pre-requisite for efforts to improve quality and respond to the needs of the market.

The Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme was established in 2007. This Scheme is operated by Bord Bia and now has over 7000 participants.

Teagasc has developed a comprehensive plan to restructure its sheep support services, including a programme for Technology Evaluation and Transfer farms, which include hill and lowland areas. This approach will provide an opportunity to engage with sheep farmers on the use of the latest management practices and to identify research and development needs.

The actions being taken by my Department and the State agencies complement those being taken by the Industry. I am confident that taken together, all of these actions will be of significant benefit to the sector.

Under the final agreement on the CAP Health Check, Ireland will have access to additional funds of the order of €25 million annually from unspent CAP funds from 2010. As I have already indicated, the sheep sector will be a substantial beneficiary. I hope to announce details in the coming weeks.