The representative body for meat processors in Ireland this week revealed an ambitious plan for the sheepmeat sector over the next five years.

Meat Industry Ireland (MII) presented its Five Year Development Plan for the Irish Sheepmeat Sector to Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed TD.

The plan, drawn from the high level growth projections set out in Food Wise 2025, envisages significant additional lamb output of one million per annum built on a programme aimed at rebuilding the national breeding flock to three million ewes and increasing the national lambing average with advances in breeding and management practices.

Source: MII

Source: MII

Achieving this level of ambition would result in increased in exports of some 20,000t, generating increased export earnings of €150 million annually and 500 extra jobs in the sector.

Additional output and new market opportunities would boost farmer income from the sheep enterprise.

Key Recommendations

  • Irish sheep sector should have the ambition to grow output by 40%
  • Strengthening of research and advisory resources targeted to the sheep enterprise and the expansion of a dedicated specialist sheepmeat unit in Teagasc;
  • Incentives to encourage young farmers to develop a sheep enterprise;
  • MII calls for an acceleration of efforts in the area of breed improvement and the application of latest breeding technology to the sector.
  • Full implementation of E-ID in the Irish sheep sector.
  • A strategic review of the promotion and marketing approach on Irish lamb to support the ambition of this Development Plan.
  • Need for improvement in the quality consistency of finished lambs.
  • MII stresses the need for continued focus on spreading our production season in order to maximise the marketing potential for Irish lamb.
  • Teagasc should also explore the potential of two lambings per annum for some flocks.
  • Progress must be made on improving the lamb output from our hill flocks to improve their marketability.

The Chairman of MII, Philip Carroll, in presenting the report to the Minister called on all partners in the sector to support this ambition so that Ireland’s sheep producers and processors can together share in the significant potential for the sector and secure a greater share of European and international markets.

“The sheepmeat sector generates an output value of €320 million per annum which supports in excess of 34,000 sheep farmers and a further 2,000 jobs in factories and related industry services.

“Clearly the potential for significant further growth is achievable provided all stakeholders work together towards a shared ambition for the sector”.

MII Director Cormac Healy, Minister For Agriculture, Michael Creed and Chairman of MII, Philip Carroll

MII Director Cormac Healy, Minister For Agriculture, Michael Creed and Chairman of MII, Philip Carroll

Cormac Healy, Director of MII said that the MII plan for the sector highlights the importance of securing a production base of at least three million ewes.

“This will ensure the critical mass of the sector in the marketplace and a consistent year-round supply of product for premium markets.

“MII calls for a strategic review of the promotion and marketing approach to Irish lamb and for additional resources in the Department and in Bord Bia towards the opening of new international markets and the promotion of Irish lamb in these markets,” he said.

MII said it looks forward to working with producers, the Department and relevant state agencies to deliver on this ambition for the Irish sheepmeat sector.