Quota changes make it easier for partnerships

MILK quota regulations have been changed to assist family farm consolidation and milk production partnerships.

A new price for restructuring quota has also been announced by Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan.

The new rate is 17.5 cent/litre (80c/gal) in 2005, which will be reduced to not more than 12 cents/litre (55 cents/gal) in the 2006 scheme.