IFA calls for radical overhaul of dairy sector

A RADICAL overhaul of the dairy industry to secure the future of its farmers and their industry is being sought by the IFA, but ICOS, the co-ops umbrella body, insists milk processors are already implementing plans to strengthen the sector.

IFA president John Dillon told a seminar in Cork that industry leaders have yet to tackle shortcomings identified years ago. Despite some recent welcome initiatives, the Irish dairy industry remains internationally uncompetitive and has done far less than its EU competitors to increase the value of its product mix.

“We know that CAP reform and WTO pose very serious challenges to the dairy sector, but dairy farmers’ incomes are already under intense pressure from lower prices and higher costs,” he said.