Support rural farming, says McGuinness

Maintaining farming in more remote and isolated regions is a challenge that must be tackled, according to European Parliament vice president Mairead McGuinness, MEP.

“A living farming community in these regions provides the bedrock for the important tourism sector. We cannot have one without the other,” she said.

Ms McGuinness, who was launching new season Achill lamb, praised the Calvey family and the many farmers on Achill who produce the product.

The MEP toured the family slaughtering plant and butcher shop where every week lambs from their own and other farms on the island are prepared for the marketplace.

“A huge effort has been made to highlight the unique product which is Achill mountain lamb and to get the message to the consumer about its unique taste and quality,” she said.

The MEP congratulated the farmers who produce the mountain lamb and also care for the environment of the commonages.

“More and more we’re coming to understand the importance of sustainable food-production systems,” she said. “The sheep synonymous with Achill are an example of that quest for sustainability.”