Mixed reaction to minister’s decision to allocate extra quota

THERE has been a mixed reaction to the move by Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith to proceed with the allocation of extra quota.

The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) said the decision beggared belief, insulted farmers and was misleading.

However, the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA) said the announcement that a percentage of the additional quota available will be ring-fenced for new applicants was “a step in the right direction”.