ICSA: Sheep farmers hardest hit by Brexit in Ireland

Sheep farming has been the sector hardest hit by the consequences of Brexit, according to the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA). The farming organisation has renewed its call on the government to use the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) fund to “rescue” the sector which has been hit by low prices and spiralling input costs. The association is campaigning for a portion of the BAR fund to be used for a €50 million emergency support package for sheep farmers to cover 2023 and 2024. On February 28, the ICSA held a protest outside the gates of Leinster House where it sought support from all political parties for the country’s sheep farmers. ICSA ICSA Sheep Committee chair Sean McNamara said that it is vital that politicians and consumers support the sheep farmers. “The sector is in crisis, and nobody should be turning a blind eye to what is going on. “Our margin per ewe has been all but wiped out having dropped over 80% in 2022 and languishing at just €7/head. “There is ...