Milk industry warned of threat

The own-brand market in liquid milk among Irish retail outlets is posing a threat to the dairy industry, according to sector leaders.

IFA Liquid Milk Committee Chairman Donal Kelleher said dairies and retailers need to promote consumption.

“Eroding the value of a profitable sector through own-branding and price wars, ultimately financed out of farmers’ pockets, is the road to nowhere,” Mr Kelleher said.

Fine Gael agriculture spokesperson Billy Timmins TD, said a farmgate survey carried out by his party revealed that the mark-up on milk is already over 120% with farmers not receiving any benefit from price hikes.