Energy costs ‘key for dairy industry’

THE cost of energy is one of the most pressing issues facing processors, a dairy industry leader has warned.

Lakeland Dairies chief executive Michael Hanley said it cuts the margin processors can achieve and ultimately it impacts on milk prices.

He told his group’s milk quality awards presentations in Cootehill, Co Cavan, that energy costs in Ireland are way higher than they should be. One of the main reasons for that is a lack of competition among energy providers.