Sheep sector ‘needs more funding’

THE sheep sector in Europe needs increased funding, according to a year-long study conducted for the European Parliament by Ireland East member Liam Aylward.

An additional payment for traditional mountain sheep is one of the proposals put forward, followings a wide consultative process.

Mr Aylward said this extra payment is necessary to preserve sheep in sensitive areas. He suggested it could be financed directly by national governments, or co-financed by them and the European Union.