Fear stalks industry over milk testing

FARMERS live in fear of failing their milk test, and being forced to cease production, if they speak out about the crisis in the industry, according to the Dairy Farmers Crisis Group.

Milk testing independent of ]the processor they sell to is one of the demands of the Co Offaly-based organisation.

In a presentation to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, John Leahy of the group said farmers are refinancing their farms and houses to stay in business. “However, they are afraid to speak out because of the testing system.”