The recent launch of Northern Ireland’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme (SAP) has been met with disappointment from the country’s sheep farmers.
The National Sheep Association (NSA) Northern Ireland Region has welcomed the achievement of establishing a new agricultural framework but considers the absence of sheep support completely neglects the Northern Ireland sheep farming community.
NSA Northern Ireland Region co-ordinator Ellen Moorehead said: “Despite the SAP’s comprehensive range of schemes, including support for protein crops, horticulture, and two distinct beef industry initiatives – the Suckler Cow Scheme and the Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme – the sheep sector has been conspicuously overlooked.
“There is not only a lack of a dedicated sheep scheme but also a disheartening absence of any indication of future development in this area.”
NSA believes the impact of this neglect will be significant.
Under the new SAP, sheep-only farmers are projected to lose a substantial 17% of their Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) support, with no alternative avenue for recouping these losses through other available schemes. This financial hit poses a real threat to the viability of many sheep farming businesses, particularly smaller family-run operations.
Mrs Moorehead continued: “The SAP also aims to support “farming for the generations”, yet it overlooks the unique accessibility of sheep farming for young people and new entrants. With minimal capital and infrastructure requirements compared to dairy or beef, sheep farming offers a viable pathway into agriculture for those starting out.
“By neglecting this sector, we are inadvertently hindering the next generation of farmers and undermining the long-term sustainability of our rural communities.”
