CAP pressure intensifies on Walsh
Farm and agri-business leaders warned that the sector faces a major threat from the Fischler proposals and world trade talks.
As EU farm ministers began what could be the final round of CAP negotiations in Luxembourg, the dairy industry claimed there was an unprecedented threat to farm incomes and to the sector's development.
IFA, ICMSA, ICOS, Macra na Feirme, the Irish Dairy Board, IBEC'S Dairy Industries Association and the National Dairy Council have agreed a common position on the proposals. They have detailed eight key policy issues, which include opposition to milk price support reductions, the securing of full compensation for any cuts and linking this to quota.
Dairy farmers, they warned, will lose €183m per annum under the proposals and would face the threat of an income collapse if they are agreed.
The industry supports 27,000 farm families and employs a further 7,200 people. Total output is €3.1bn with over 91% of processing inputs being of Irish origin. Last year, exports were at €1.1bn.
It said the European Commission proposals, if accepted, would cut the market value of Irish milk output by 28% or €400m per annum. Compensation being offered represents 55% and would leave a net loss of €183m per annum.
