IFA talks to put heat on dairy co-ops

Dairy co-ops will come under pressure to increase their August milk price after a series of IFA meetings starting today in the Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny.

IFA president Joe Healy urged that co-ops must follow the lead of Lakeland and Glanbia, whose August milk prices are up 1c/l and 2c/l.

He said co-ops such as Kerry, who did not increase their July milk price, and co-ops at the low end of the Milk League, would have to give more than a 1c/l increase.

“GDT auction results, the Ornua PPI and EU spot and average quotes reported by the Milk Market Observatory have all made clear in recent months that significant milk price increases would be justified,” said Mr Healy.

“While price increases in July and August will be welcomed by financially stressed farmers, they will not suffice to address their cashflow difficulties until prices start exceeding production costs and volumes increase seasonally into next year.”