€200 a tonne casein aid cut criticised

THE European Union’s €200 a tonne cut in casein aid was described as unwarranted by Lakeland Dairies chief executive Ed Prendergast, who predicted the decision will wipe a further €10 million off Irish dairy sector returns.

“The EU is going too far and too fast in cutting aid,” he said, calling on Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan to seek a reversal of this decision directly at European Commission level as well as a commitment against further aid cuts for the remainder of the year.

Mr Prendergast said the latest move brings to €34m the casein aid cuts implemented by the commission since February.