Producers aim to supply quality Burren meat

A PIONEERING farming and food partnership, based on the Burren’s unique natural heritage, aims to become the leading producer of quality beef and lamb from the region.

Burren Beef and Lamb Producers’ Group members headed by Thomas Holmes, chairman, actively farm for conservation in the Burren.

They want to ensure the region’s long-term sustainability through the production of ‘conservation grade’ quality beef and lamb from the Burren habitats. Group members completed an intensive three-month training course earlier this year, co-ordinated by Ruairí Ó Conchúir, BurrenLIFE Project, with financial support from LEADER and technical support from Joanne Brannigan in Teagasc.

The group has since focused on lamb production and already has contracts to supply ‘conservation grade’ lamb to outlets in North Clare, as well as selling to individuals. Yesterday saw the beginning of the sale and marketing of Burren ‘conservation grade’ beef.

Food and Horticulture Minister Trevor Sargent, who was in Ballyvaughan, Co Clare, for the launch, said the Beef and Lamb Producers’ Group and the BurrenLIFE Project illustrated a spirit of co-operation between a diversity of organisations.

These include the Irish Farmers’ Association, Teagasc, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and LEADER — some of whom were considered adversaries in the past.

It showed how co-operation could result in a very positive development to the benefit of the farmer, the conservationist and biodiversity, he said.

Mr Sargent said the approach adopted in the Burren clearly has broader relevance to other heritage-rich, agriculturally marginal areas of the country, such as Connemara, south Kerry and parts of Waterford.

He said his department is fully committed to supporting in any possible way the development of local food production.