Quarter of quota increase to be set aside for new entrants

PLANS for allocation from April 1 of the third annual increase of 1% in milk quotas were announced by Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith this week.

He confirmed that one quarter of the increase will be set aside to support new entrants to milk production.

The rest will be allocated as a 0.75% increase in quota on a permanent, saleable basis to every active milk producer. Full details will be finalised and published shortly.