€8m sheep fencing/mobile handling scheme set to open for applications

A NEW €8 million sheep fencing and mobile handling scheme will be open for applications from November 1, Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister Brendan Smith announced yesterday.

The scheme is part of the Rural Development Programme and will help sheep farmers in reducing labour input.

Mr Smith said it will complement the €7m Uplands Sheep Scheme, launched last year, and the €54 million Grassland Sheep Scheme, launched earlier this year, which will provide a much-needed boost to sheep farmers’ income.