April 07, 2010

Grassland Sheep Scheme Welcome Boost to Sheep Sector – ICMSA

The Chairman of the ICMSA's Sheep Committee, Mr. Denis Carroll, has welcomed the announcement today by Minister Smith that €54 million in unused CAP funds will be allocated to the sheep sector over the next three years through the Grassland Sheep Scheme. This is a timely announcement at the start of the lambing season and provides a much need incentive for a sector that has been devastated by low prices over the last few years.

He stated that payments under the scheme will be based on ewe numbers from the 2009 sheep census and notional stocking rates giving rise to payments of about €10 per ewe up to a maximum of 210 ewes. The Department has confirmed that payments will commence on 01 December 2010.

Mr. Carroll concluded by stating that this announcement represents much needed funding for the sheep sector and will be further complemented by the €8m being provided for sheep fencing and mobile handling facilities under the Rural Development Programme.

Ends.      7 April 2010

Denis Carroll,   087-2225432

Chairperson, ICMSA Sheep Committee

Or

Cathal MacCarthy,        087-6168758 or 061-314677

ICMSA Press Officer.

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