Commission told by IFA president to be more supportive of dairy sector

THE European Commission has been told by Irish Farmers Association president Padraig Walshe that it needs to take more creative action to support the dairy sector.

Mr Walshe, who met with Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel in Brussels, said decisions made by the commission regarding intervention and other supports have successfully put a floor under falling dairy commodity prices.

However, this policy no longer goes far enough and other market support measures must be implemented if milk prices are to return to 27c/l. A more creative approach to address an exceptional and critical situation is needed.

He said he suggested that the scope of the animal feed schemes be broadened beyond calves, as well as the introduction of a scheme which would allow dairy farmers to exit the industry in a dignified, deliberate manner, instead of relying on attrition through income pressure to reduce production capacity by force.

On the move to bring forward 70% of the single farm payment to October, he said this was welcome, but it was disappointing that payment could not happen sooner as the IFA had requested.

“I told Ms Fischer Boel how sheer anger and frustration at the lack of effective action in Europe had led Irish dairy farmers to protest at the EU Commission office in Dublin.

“She must understand that farm families across the country are facing into a summer with no income to sustain their households and run their businesses,” he said.

Mr Walshe said the commission’s response to this crisis is inadequate and is adding to the frustration of Irish farmers.

“Everyone in Brussels is in no doubt as to the problem, but there is a lack of urgency within the commission to make use of all available market supports, never mind think creatively about new support schemes to increase the minimum price paid to Irish farmers to 27c/ltr.

“We need a more supportive and imaginative attitude from our European politicians and civil servants to help secure the future of one of the most promising economic sectors in the EU,” he said.