Farm leaders welcome Kerry view

Farm leaders yesterday welcomed a statement by Kerry Group chief executive Hugh Friel that he was optimistic about milk prices in the period ahead.

IFA Dairy Committee chairman Michael Murphy said Mr Friel’s statement confirmed his analysis of current dairy markets. There were absolutely no reasons to talk down milk prices. There might even be scope for price rises before the end of the year.

“I have said many times in the last few months that milk price decisions should be made based on markets, which are buoyant, and not on CAP reform decisions, which may not have a major impact on market returns for this year,” he said.