French focus on sheep farmers

FRANCE is to address key issues facing sheep farmers in Europe during its presidency of the European Union later this year.

It is organising a special conference in Limoges on September 5 to review the exact steps that must be taken.

French Agriculture Minister Michel Barnier, who met with a delegation of Irish and European sheep producers and lamb processors in Paris this week, will be the host.

All stakeholders in the sheep sector, including key European ministers, will be invited to attend.

Ireland East MEP Liam Aylward, who is finalising a report on the sheep sector for the European Parliament, has been asked by Mr Barnier to address the conference.

In relation to the world trade talks, Mr Barnier told the delegation that no deal is better than a bad deal. He said the French government fully shares Irish concerns regarding the negotiations on the agricultural sector and will continue to remain vigilant.

IFA Sheep Committee chairman Henry Burns, a delegation member, said he was very encouraged by the minister’s positive approach and his willingness to deal with the key issues.

Mr Burns called for increased promotional funding for sheepmeat, EU labelling and branding, opposition to any increase in EU sheepmeat imports under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and increased direct supports for sheep.