Farmers reject poultry sales claims
IRELAND - The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) has rejected the suggestion that poultry sales in the Republic of Ireland have fallen by 20 per cent amid fears over bird flu.The organisation says only imports have been hit by the decline.
Free-range producers have reported an increase in business of 25 per cent.
Organic producers are awaiting an EU decision on a request from Irish Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan to allow birds to be kept for longer than the current 12 week maximum without losing their free range status.
A total of 30 per cent of the eggs produced in the Republic are free range.
Source: UTV
6 March 2006
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