Explanation sought on €7m milk levy
With some IFA members in Limerick demanding that the collection of a levy on their milk sales be put on hold until they are satisfied that they are getting value for money, the Association in Limerick will ask the Dairy Board for clarification on how they are spending the €7m levy total.
National Council member David Thompson told a recent IFA meeting in the county that dairy farmers have to look closely at every aspect of their costs, as their incomes are being eroded.
“We are getting the same price for milk that we got 10 years ago and told that further cuts are on the way.
“Everyone is telling us that we are going to have to be more efficient and cut our costs, but we are also going to have to look at where the money that is being stopped from us is going and question if we are getting value for it,” Mr Thompson said.
Michael O’Flynn, IFA chairman in the county, said that €7m goes to the Dairy Board for promotion of dairy products, and more information should be provided for farmers on how the money is being spent.
“I believe it is time that there was more accountability on this fund”.
“We know that it is a statutory levy and farmers do not have a choice whether to pay it or not, but it is not good enough that we are not given clearer details as to how the money is being spent”, he said.
