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The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has issued a proposal to farm organisations and stakeholders in regard to beginning a consultation process on producing a clean livestock policy (CLP) for sheep.
The Department says the introduction of a CLP for sheep comes following an evaluation by the Department into the hygiene of sheep carcase in slaughter. “It is clear that there is a need to significantly improve performance in relation to the cleanliness of incoming animals, to ensure the continuation and expansion of this trade,” the Department says.
The proposed policy would be similar in style to the existing bovine equivalent where animals are grade rated from A to C, based on standard.
IFA national sheep committee chair John Lynskey said the IFA is now looking to meet with the Department for discussions in order to clarify the details surrounding the programme. He says the proposal document, which was issued to farmers on 13 September, prompted some confusion among farmers and clarification is needed.
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