Coughlan unveils proposals to open up dairy market

It is hoped that new proposals from the Minister for Agriculture Mary Coughlan will create a more open market for dairy farmers.

It follows concerns that the dairy industry is losing the ability to cope with foreign competitors.

New provisions will be introduced next month for the transfer of milk quotas and the creation of new partnership deals between smaller farmers.

The plans were outlined at Fianna Fáil's Agriculture Conference in Co Offaly this afternoon.