The president of the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers' Association (INHFA) has called for changes on the classification of wool.

Pheilim Molloy urged Irish MEPs and the European Parliament to once again push the European Commission on the reclassification of wool.

"Currently wool is classified as category 3 animal waste product under EU Regulation 1069/2009 which had subsequently amended previous regulations concerning animal by-products," he said.

"Prior to 2002 wool was classified as an agricultural product in a similar way to meat, milk or vegetables.

"Its reclassification following the foot and mouth outbreak has undermined how wool can be used while also increasing the cost of any final wool based product," Molloy added.

The INHFA noted that the EU Parliament previously called on the commission to consider making exemptions for wool in 2018.

"It is now eight years since the EU Parliament's resolution and while most people have recognised the need to amend the relevant regulations and recognise wool as an agricultural product, the commission have yet to move.

"This is why we are calling on our MEPs to revisit the 2018 resolution and push the commission to make the necessary changes," he said.

"One such option is fertiliser, as wool contains nitrogen, potassium and sulphur. While limited amounts of wool are being used here, costs have been driven up as a result of the cleaning requirements.

"Other options that could be considered include the use of wool as a slug repellent or as a replacement for peat in the horticulture industry," Molloy said.