Sheep sector to receive €18 million in unused CAP funds, says IFA

THE IFA has disclosed that Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister Brendan Smith has reaffirmed his decision to ring-fence €18 million in unused Common Agricultural Policy funds for the sheep sector and that it will be paid out in 2010.

Following a meeting with Mr Smith in Dublin, the IFA said the minister explained he was finalising payment details and arrangements and will make an announcement by the end of this month.

IFA president John Bryan said the sheep sector is vitally important to 30,000 farmers across the 26 counties. It has an output value of €250m of which €166m are export earnings.