The re-classification of wool would “create improved options around wool use and reduce costs”, according to the president of the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) Pheilim Molloy.

He called on Irish MEPs and the European Parliament to once again push the European Commission on its re-classification.

Currently wool is “classified as category three animal waste product under EU Regulation 1069/2009, which had subsequently amended previous regulations concerning animal by-products.”

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Prior to 2002, wool was “classified as an agricultural product in a similar way to meat, milk or vegetables. Its re-classification following the foot-and-mouth outbreak has undermined how wool can be used while also increasing the cost of any final wool-based product”.

Molloy said this was “recognised by the European Parliament – which in 2018 called on the Commission in Resolution 2117/2017 to look into the possibility of making exemptions for wool, when applying EU regulations most notably Regulation 1069/2009”.

The INHFA president detailed how “it is now eight years since the parliament's resolution and, while most people have recognised the need to amend the relevant regulations and recognise wool as an agricultural product, the Commission have yet to move. This is why we are calling on our MEPs to revisit the 2018 resolution and push the Commission to make the necessary changes.”

Fertiliser

Molloy cited fertiliser as a possible use of wool.

“Wool contains nitrogen, potassium and sulphur. While limited amounts of wool are being used here, costs have been driven up as a result of the cleaning requirements.

“Other options that could be considered include the use of wool as a slug repellent or as a replacement for peat in the horticulture industry," added the farm leader.

The INHFA president stressed the need for the reclassification stating, “we need to see this happen in order to realise the true potential of wool”.