Young farmers to be prioritised in final year of milk quota
Mr Coveney confirmed that 2014/15 — the final quota year prior to the Apr 2015 abolition of milk output restrictions — will follow the same approach as in prior years. This decision followed discussions with farming organisations and co-op umbrella body ICOS.
“While the annual review of schemes with the farming organisations and ICOS considered different options for this final year of trading, the consensus was that it would be best to continue with the current structure,” he said.
“The group did, however, recommend that the price of priority pool quota, which is primarily targeted at young farmers and smaller producers, be lowered to 3c per litre. I have accepted that recommendation.”
Closing date applications to the 15th milk quota scheme is Friday, Oct 11. Details of the scheme will be published this week, and application forms will also be available from co-ops.
Sellers will still contribute 30% of total quota offered for sale to the priority pool. The method for calculating the market clearing price, including the 40% price corridor, will be unchanged. The 3:2 ratio on distribution of priority pool quota between young farmers and producers with quotas less than 350,000l is retained, as is the option for sellers in some co-ops to sell at 1c or 2c per litre less than their original offer price.
