Compensation for loss in calf prices

THE Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association has announced it has received confirmation that compensation for the loss in calf and weanling prices can be addressed under the single farm payment national reserve being finalised.

It followed a meeting last week between Pat O'Rourke, president, and Ciaran Dolan, general secretary, with officials of the European Commission.

Mr O'Rourke said after presenting ICMSA's case they were informed that Ireland could allocate single farm payments from the national reserve to calf and weanling producers, who are losing up to €175 for calves born in June compared to those born in May.

"The Commission is quite clear the relevant EU Council regulations provide a broad legal framework for Ireland to implement ICMSA's proposals to address the shortfall suffered by calf and weanling producers,’’ he said.

Mr O'Rourke said now the Minister could act and provide additional payments to those farmers from the reserve.

"Not alone did we receive clarification that the regulation permits this, but Ireland does not even have to seek the permission of the Commission in this regard.

"The regulations were written deliberately to allow the maximum flexibility for member states so that disadvantages suffered by specific groups of farmers could be speedily eliminated,’’ he said.

Mr O'Rourke said that in light of the clarification, there could be no confusion about the existence of any legal block to addressing the problems of calf and weanling producers.

The Association will tomorrow formally raise the issue at the Single Payment Advisory Group meeting.