Fears small farms will lose out on €45m grant

SMALLER scale dairy farmers will be devastated if they are ruled out of the €45 million dairy equipment scheme, according to National Milk Rights Group chairman Donie Shine.

He said smaller farmers have invested heavily in preparation for significant expansion, and will need larger dairy equipment and tanks, because of expectations that milk collections will be less frequent.

EU Commission approval was received earlier this year for the scheme, which will provide 40% grant aid for milking machine and cooling equipment, and milk storage.