ICMSA seeks urgent response from all sectors to address farming crisis

THE Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) is seeking an urgent response from all groups involved in the agri-food sector in order to avoid what it fears will be a total disaster for farmers in 2009 due to the recent wet weather and other issues.

ICMSA deputy president John O’Leary said dairy farmers already have had to contend with historically low milk prices, while poor cattle prices and a very expensive spring period have added to the difficulties.

All farming sectors now find themselves facing winter with unpaid bills and inadequate winter fodder, he said, pointing out that this is the second year in a row that farmers have had to deal with very wet conditions.