Document type : Written answer from the European Commission
Authors: Question: Chris MacManus (The Left). Answer: Mr Wojciechowski on behalf of the European Commission
There has been a continued depression in wool prices, primarily as a result of recent volatility in Chinese demand. The reduction in the price of wool has resulted in farmers receiving payments marginally above breakeven after the cost of clipping is factored in. This raises an animal welfare concern, as clipping is necessary for good animal health.
Currently, farmers choose two of a number of options in the interests of sheep welfare, and receive a payment of EUR 20 per breeding ewe. The amendment sought would see all farmers undertaking the third additional practice of clipping, with an additional payment of approximately EUR 2.5 to 3 per breeding ewe.
Can the Commission confirm whether it would look favourably upon a request from the Irish Government to amend the Sheep Welfare Scheme, in the interests of animal welfare?
Written Answer: Generally, the Commission welcomes any increased animal welfare. In the concrete case of the Irish Sheep Welfare Scheme, the Managing Authority (the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine) of the Irish Rural Development Programme (RDP) can propose to amend the RDP. The Managing Authority would then have to explain the reasons for and the expected effects of the amendment, including an explanation of how the proposed practices go beyond the relevant mandatory standards. If a request to amend the RDP were to be presented by the Managing Authority, the Commission services would then assess the amendment proposal according to the established approval procedure. The Commission cannot anticipate the outcome of this procedure.
