Commission moves ‘not going far enough’ to help dairy industry

THE latest moves by the European Commission to help the dairy industry were welcome but did not go far enough, according to the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society.

ICOS, which represents co-ops, said it viewed as positive the steps taken by the commission on butter intervention but was disappointed that export refund levels for skim milk powder did not rise.

The Irish Farmers Association said the commission decisions, and a sustained campaign by Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith and his officials for continued exceptional supports, can kickstart a recovery in commercial markets in the coming months.