Killeen Reiterates Need For EU Sheep Sector Supports

The Junior Agriculture Minister said that solutions to problems in the sector must be found sooner rather than later.

Minister of State Killeen was commenting after Minister for Agriculture and Food, Mr. Brendan Smith, made a similar call while addressing a European Sheep Conference in Limoges, France last week.

The Clare T.D. explained, ‘Action needs to be taken at EU level to address difficulties, which the sector has experienced in recent years. All the main sheep producing countries in Europe and further afield are experiencing problems with reducing flocks, pressure on income and producers exiting the sector.’

‘The Department of Agriculture and Food recognises that solutions to problems in the sector must be found, otherwise, a traditional farming sector, especially in more remote regions, could disappear with the ensuing environmental and socio-economic repercussions’, added Minister of State Killeen.

He said that EU members must continue to focus on quality and the stimulation of demand through marketing, labelling, health promotion and generic promotion of lamb.

‘The CAP Health Check and the Aylward report provide the focus and opportunity to revitalise the sector and provide for its long-term future. I hope that other EU countries will now act on and support Minister Smith’s call for immediate intervention across the EU. The Department of Agriculture and Food will continue to press strongly in Brussels to have appropriate policies drawn up to cater for the sector and ensure its long term sustainability’, concluded Minister of State Killeen.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (with special responsibility for Fisheries and Forestry), is available for interview and further comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- High-resolution images of Minister Killeen are available

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900