MEP urges co-ops to work together in bid to stop erosion of milk prices

THE severe cut in the price paid to milk suppliers requires an immediate and effective response from farmer-owned processors, including agreement on the rationalisation of processing.

Independent member of the European Parliament Marian Harkin made the call when she urged the co-operatives in the west and north-east to work together to create the efficiencies necessary to stop the erosion of milk prices above the Dublin/Galway line.

“The drastic reduction in milk prices may well be a reflection of international markets but it also emphasises the need to recognise that only the most efficient dairy industry will survive in the future,” she said.