The recent launch of Northern Ireland's Sustainable Agriculture Programme (SAP) has been met with disappointment from the country’s sheep farmers.

The National Sheep Association (NSA) Northern Ireland Region has welcomed the achievement of establishing a new agricultural framework but considers the absence of sheep support completely neglects the Northern Ireland sheep farming community.

NSA Northern Ireland Region Coordinator Ellen Moorehead comments: “Despite the SAP's comprehensive range of schemes, including support for protein crops, horticulture, and two distinct beef industry initiatives – the Suckler Cow Scheme and the Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme – the sheep sector has been conspicuously overlooked. There is not only a lack of a dedicated sheep scheme but also a disheartening absence of any indication of future development in this area.

“This omission is particularly perplexing given the robust state of the NI sheep industry. Market demand is on the rise, prices remain steady, and our consumer base continues to expand. Yet, we find ourselves feeling like the ‘forgotten child’ of NI agriculture. Our concerns, repeatedly voiced through meetings with the Minister, DAERA officials, the AERA committee, and our contributions to the Sheep Taskforce, appear to have fallen on deaf ears.”

NSA believes the impact of this neglect will be significant. Under the new SAP, sheep-only farmers are projected to lose a substantial 17% of their Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) support, with no alternative avenue for recouping these losses through other available schemes. This financial hit poses a real threat to the viability of many sheep farming businesses, particularly smaller family-run operations.

Furthermore, NSA also considers the SAP's emphasis on ‘farming with nature’ seems to contradict the very actions of DAERA and the Minister. Extensive upland areas, ideally suited for sheep grazing and natural land management, are being disregarded. Sheep farming, by its nature, can be a highly sustainable and environmentally friendly practice, perfectly aligned with the ‘farming with nature’ ethos.

Mrs Moorehead continues: “The SAP also aims to support "farming for the generations," yet it overlooks the unique accessibility of sheep farming for young people and new entrants. With minimal capital and infrastructure requirements compared to dairy or beef, sheep farming offers a viable pathway into agriculture for those starting out. By neglecting this sector, we are inadvertently hindering the next generation of farmers and undermining the long-term sustainability of our rural communities.”

NSA Northern Ireland Region remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for the inclusion of a dedicated sheep scheme within the SAP and will continue to engage with DAERA and the Minister, highlighting the vital role of sheep farming in the Northern Ireland agricultural landscape and the urgent need for equitable support. The success of the SAP, and the future of NI agriculture, rests on its ability to support all sectors, including our thriving and essential sheep farming industry.