Ulster Wool welcomes sheep farmers Covid-19 support

Ulster Wool has welcomed the announcement by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) that Northern Ireland sheep farmers affected by wool prices as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, will be receiving government support.

On Friday, DAERA Minister Edwin Poots announced a £1.27million Covid-19 support package was being allocated to the sheep sector.

Brendan Kelly, Chairman, Ulster Wool said: “We welcome the announcement by DAERA Minister of the £1.27million support to wool producers in Northern Ireland. Ulster Wool have been working closely with the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) and the National Sheep Association (NSA) in lobbying for support due to the losses incurred by sheep farmers as a result of the global pandemic.  This collaboration demonstrates the importance of working together and we thank both the UFU and NSA for their support.

As we head towards the start of the shearing season, I’d urge wool producers to continue supporting Ulster Wool – we are your organisation.  Our work with the UFU and NSA shows the importance of having strong representation and Ulster Wool will always represent the sheep farmers’ best interests.  Please contact our team at the Muckamore depot to make arrangements for your wool delivery”.

Ulster Wool will communicate with all registered wool producers on eligibility and the application process once more details become available and support’s the UFU’s calls for DAERA to progress in ensuring the financial support is made available to sheep farmers as soon as possible.