New organic sheep group established in the west

A new organic sheep producer organisation, which is funded by the Department of Agriculture, is being established for farmers in the west of Ireland.

The Western Organics Producer Organisation Group aims to improve market access for organic lamb, enhance the bargaining power of organic farmers and strengthen supply chains.

The new group is being chaired by Teagasc organic advisor John Noonan and is being co-ordinated by Breege Biggins. It will be launched at the Castlecourt Hotel, Westport, Co Mayo, on Thursday, 5 March.

“We are looking for organic farmers who want to produce quality ewe lambs, hoggets and store lambs, so that we are closing the loop for organic sheep farmers looking to buy breeding stock,” explained Noonan.

Buyers of organic store lambs are also welcome to get involved with the group, Noonan added.

“We also want to talk with abattoirs and anyone interested in using the abundant organic lamb available all year around in the west,” he said.

Biggins, who works with both the Mayo Blackface Sheep Breeders and the Mayo Mule and Greyface Group described the establishment of the new organic producer organisation as an “exciting development”.

Citing plans for the group to host an organic sheep sale for ewe lambs, hoggets and store lambs in late summer, she said “buyers can look forward to strong yards of quality sheep all presented in one location”.

The first sale is planned for Maam Cross Mart in August.