Welcome Move by Minister McConalogue to update reference year for sheep farmers

IFA Sheep Chairman Sean Dennehy has welcomed the move by the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue to change the reference year for sheep farmers in the rolled over Sheep Welfare Scheme.

He said this is a vital scheme for sheep farmers and it’s crucial that it reflects the level of activity on farms by recognising progressive sheep farmers who have built their numbers since the original reference period of 2014/2015.

“IFA made a strong case to the Minister and the Department to have the reference period updated and the acceptance of this case by the Minister is a strong signal of support for the sheep sector and is very important in the context of generational renewal in sheep farming,” he said.

The IFA Chairman said updating the reference period is an important first step in aligning the scheme more closely with the levels of activity on sheep farms and building towards a €30 a ewe scheme in the next CAP that will reflect in real time the numbers of sheep farmers have.

Sean Dennehy reminded new entrants to have their applications submitted by Mon, Feb 1st.