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It has been a positive start to the week for sheep farmers, as the Department of Agriculture has issued €15m in Sheep Welfare Scheme payments.
Some 18,500 farmers will receive the 85% advance payment for year three of the scheme.
Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed said it would provide a significant financial boost to the individual farmers and the sheep sector in general.
“The scheme was introduced in order to further support the sustainability of the sheep sector and delivers on the commitment in the programme for partnership government in this regard,” he said.
Any farmer with outstanding queries to respond to were urged to contact the Department in order to facilitate payment.
Year four
The fourth year of the scheme will open in the new year, the Minister said. There will be an opportunity for new entrants to the sector to join the scheme at that point.
The issuing of the payments comes as the lamb trade continues to surge as supplies tighten.
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