Fischler proposals on farming cuts must be opposed, says group

THE umbrella body for the country’s co-ops, ICOS, has called on Agriculture and Food Minister Joe Walsh to strongly oppose the Fischler proposals.

Dessie Boylan, president, said the proposed 25% cut in milk intervention prices between 2004 and 2008 is a clear breach of the Agenda 2000 Agreement, which is based on a 15% price cut between 2005 and 2007.

“ICOS has estimated that the 25% intervention price cut could reduce the value of the Irish dairy sector by about €400m, whereas the proposed compensation equals about €217m.