IDB concerned at possible case in aid cut

THE board of the Irish Dairy Board has expressed deep concern over suggestions that the production aid on casein would be reduced again at the EU Milk Management Committee meeting in Brussels today.

Following a meeting, it said the rate of casein aid has already been reduced four times over the past 12 months, at a cost of €80 million to the Irish dairy sector. The Irish Dairy Board said that, while the market price for casein has been relatively stable, there had been no possibility of recovering last February’s €24 million aid cut from the market.

The board said a decision to bring the aid rate to zero would cost the Irish dairy sector another €22 million.