Farmers urge minister to oppose EU dairy reform

Farmers have urged Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh to oppose the EU's proposed reform of the dairy sector at a meeting in Luxembourg today.

The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association has claimed that the reforms would reduce the market value of Irish milk by 28%.

ICMSA president Pat O'Rourke said: "The dairy sector is worth €1.8bn in exports. The proposals will take, on an annual basis, €183m out of dairy farmers' income.

"That is not acceptable as far as we're concerned and, if the minister allows that to come into being, it will have a devastating effect on dairy farmers, it'll have a devastating effect on the rural economy and it will also have a severe impact on the Irish economy in relation to exports."