Bastille Day provides a boost for Irish lamb
France is a key market for Irish lamb and, according to the Irish Farmers Association, the demand has led to stronger trade.
With the increased demand for Bastille Day and for Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, which is due to end on Friday, sheep farmers here are refusing to take lower factory quotes.
Sheep committee chairman John Lynskey said factories are paying €4.70 to €4.80/kg to get lambs and some prices of up to €5.00/kg to get supplies. Some factories are offering up to €5.00/kg for lighter carcases of 15 to 18kg. In addition, there has been a strong increase in mart prices. Mr Lynskey said farmers have dug in hard and are not prepared to move lambs at the lower quoted prices. Supplies have tightened and demand has pushed on.
The price cuts of recent weeks have created real problems for producers, he said. An immediate positive response from the factories is required.
“Both processors and retailers have a major responsibility to restore prices to viable levels and prevent any undermining of the market,” said Mr Lynskey.
