Price returns to dairy producers threatening viability, warns Smith

THE dairy market continues to show resistance, and price returns to producers in Ireland are now at levels that threaten the very viability of many farm enterprises, Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith warned yesterday.

He said farmers across the European Community, and particularly in Ireland, are facing very severe difficulties in making ends meet as a result of the weak markets.

“Prices are historically low and while the commission has made every effort to stabilise the situation, there is no real sign that a recovery is in sight,” he said.