Irish co-ops need to start matching European prices paid per litre

IRISH co-ops are falling behind European counterparts on milk price, according to IFA National Dairy Committee Chairman Richard Kennedy.

He said processors in Austria, Holland, and Northern Germany paid farmers more than 40 cent per litre, and up to 43 cent for August milk, and Irish co-ops are better placed to benefit in terms of returns from the current commodity-led dairy price boom.

He said a further September milk price increase would be required due to the latest €300/ tonne Irish Dairy Board butter price increase.