Dairy farmers await boost in prices

Ireland: Dairy farmers were hoping yesterday that a European Commission decision to increase aid for skim milk powder (SMP) used for casein production will boost the prices they are being paid for milk supplies.

Agriculture and Food Minister Joe Walsh welcomed the decision to increase the aid by over 14% from 5.86/100kgs to 6.70/100kgs.

He said the Commission had responded with speed to his recent request for an increase in the aid rate, which he had made following discussions with the industry.