The Sheep Committee of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Breeders Association (ICSA) is protesting, "as processors around the world continue to slaughter sheep breeders with a sharp drop in prices."

The protest is held today, Monday, May 20, at the Irish Country Meats (ICM), Camolin, in Wexford.

Speaking at the rally, ICSA Chairperson of the Sheep Committee Sean McNamara said: “None of the sheep farmers will be able to withstand this kind of price reduction, and if this continues, most of us will not be able to continue working. Our products have become virtually useless, we could also give them away for free. ”

“Growing lambs costs a lot of money, and we must get at least 7 euros per kilogram to make it sustainable. Right now, prices have fallen far below 6 euros per kilogram, plus we are faced with a weight limit. We are losing money, and this business is becoming simply not viable. Sheep farming is a low-income business. How can they expect us to continue to work and maintain standards if processors refuse to give us an adequate price? ”Continued McNamara.

In conclusion, the chairman of the Sheep Committee stated that the sheep farmers were on their knees: "We are here to make clear that these price reductions must be reversed so that the sector has any chance of survival."