Milk quota rise to benefit farmers

AN INCREASE of 2% in Ireland’s milk quota from April 1, following agreement reached at the European Council of Agriculture Ministers, will be worth €35 million a year to dairy farmers in higher output.

The decision does not prejudge the ongoing review of the dairy market in the Health Check of the Common Agricultural Policy, where the European Commission has suggested a gradual increase in quotas before they expire in 2015.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister Mary Coughlan said the move was welcome and reflected the optimistic assessment of the future demand for milk.