Co-ops urged to make tough calls and cut costs to stop milk price fall

The country’s dairy co-ops were urged yesterday to review all their business processes in a bid to halt the slide in milk prices. IFA Dairy Committee chairman Sean O’Leary also called on the European Commission to focus on measures to support dairy farmers.

He said the IFA is continuing to work hard at home and in Brussels to secure a review of the intervention ‘safety net’ level. Mr O’Leary said this is needed to help put a more realistic floor under markets. Superlevy funds must also be used to support farmers through this difficult period.

“We appreciate the support for our campaign from co-ops and industry stakeholders, and the fact that the milk price in many co-ops was supported in the first half of this year,” he said.