Welsh Sheep exports rise in 2023
New HMRC data shows that sheep exports have continued to rise in 2023. The total volume of sheep meat exported from Wales is estimated to have reached almost 30,500 tonnes, 12% up on the year, while total value hit £190.9 million, 10% up on the year.
HMRC data for both beef and sheep meat showed the total value of red meat exports from Wales for 2023 reached £267.9 million, up from £257.5 million in 2022 (4.1%), while the total volume of red meat exports from Wales for 2023 was estimated at almost 48,500 tonnes (0.5%).
The latest figures are still lower than the high of 55,500 tonnes in 2020.
Republic of Ireland announce extension to liming programme
The Irish government has announced an extension to the national liming programme that was introduced in 2023 to incentivise the use of lime as a natural soil conditioner which corrects soil acidity, makes nutrients more available for plant uptake and improves soil health.
Irish farmers now have until the 28th June 2024 to spread lime purchased under the programme, extended from 31st March 2024. 14,500 farmers have used the programme, however have struggled to spread the lime due to the wet ground conditions.
This is the second extension granted, the previous extension moved the deadline from 31st October 2023 to 31st March 2024.
CAP Simplification package proposals announced
The European Commission has released CAP simplification proposals aimed at easing the burden of the EU agriculture crisis caused by the war in Ukraine and climate change.
Under the proposals farms of less than 10 Ha (65% of CAP claimants) will be exempt from checks on environmental compliance. They also propose amending 6 of the 9 Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions (GAEC) standards which would allow EU member states to offer exemptions to the standards.
The proposals depend on the package being passed by the European Parliament and the Council.