ICSA Sheep chair Willie Shaw has expressed serious concern about news that Dawn Meats is set to acquire a controlling stake in New Zealand’s largest sheepmeat exporter, Alliance Group. “This deal raises red flags for Irish sheep farmers, it creates a real risk that more New Zealand lamb will end up on supermarket shelves in the EU and the UK, undermining demand for Irish lamb and ultimately hitting farmers here in the pocket,” he said.

Mr Shaw said low-income Irish sheep farmers cannot afford to be squeezed further. “Processors talk about the need for year-round supply, and Dawn has been clear that its aim is to combine northern hemisphere production with New Zealand lamb to create that model. The reality is that every extra box of New Zealand lamb in European markets makes it harder for Irish farmers to get a fair price for their produce. It could wipe out the seasonal premiums that many rely on to survive.

Dawn Meats made its fortune off the backs of Irish farmers. For them now to turn around and chase New Zealand lamb at the expense of Irish producers is nothing short of a betrayal.”

 Mr Shaw said he is calling is calling on Minister Heydon and the European Commission to urgently examine the implications of this deal and to ensure that safeguards are put in place so that Irish and European sheep farmers are not undermined by an influx of New Zealand lamb.