EU refund cuts a big blow to dairy farmers

A CUT in EU skim and whole milk powder refunds has hit the Irish dairy industry, just a week after its delegation asked Agriculture Commissioner Franz Fischler to strengthen EU milk price support.

The European Commission cut SMP and WMP refunds by a further 18% and 6.6%.

IFA president John Dillon said, “The Commission’s move is extremely disappointing from the point of view of its commitment to review its management policy. However, it will have no negative impact on market returns from exports”.