Allister welcomes better times for sheep farmers
23 April 2009
Traditional Unionist MEP Jim Allister has welcomed the higher sheep prices which farmers have experienced in recent months. The MEP said,
“The red meat sector has certainly gone through many difficulties in recent years. However, I very much welcome the recent trend of some of the highest prices sheep farmers have witnessed in years. Farmers, like any other businessmen need to make a profit, and so I trust we will continue to witness good prices for the foreseeable future.”
“I am mindful that today’s strong trading situation has come at great cost to many sheep farmers, who in recent years have not been able to weather the storm of poor returns. However, I am pleased to say that there is now recognition at EU level that flock owners across Europe require additional support to avoid against a further decline in sheep numbers. I am on record as being in support of an additional environment-linked payment to be introduced in recognition of the contribution sheep make to the upkeep of upland areas. Furthermore, with electronic identification set to become mandatory in the near future, higher producer prices are needed to pay for higher production costs.”
ENDS
