Minimum 50c per litre of milk call

AT least 50c per litre, plus VAT, over the winter months, is needed by farmers if a shortage is to avoided, said IFA national liquid milk committee chairman Eamonn Bray last week.

Mr Bray said last week’s World Dairy Summit speakers confirmed that profits in the liquid milk chain needed to be re-distributed, to secure milk supplies.

He said German delegates confirmed an 18c/l wholesale price increase from retailers, and said British retailers and processors were so worried about supply shortages that they are now paying farmers about 45% more than last year. The National Milk Agency here has warned of possible winter liquid milk shortages after 2008, without a major price adjustment. Mr Bray said Glanbia, by far the largest liquid milk dairy in Ireland, should set a winter milk price of 50c/l plus VAT.