Dairy farmers must act now to milk opportunity

Where is Irish dairying coming from, and where is it going?

According to staff at the Teagasc Moorepark research centre, gradual expansion and ultimate removal of milk quotas in 2015 gives Ireland the opportunity to claim a disproportionate share of the expected 2.5% per annum growth in worldwide demand for dairy products (based on projected global population growth and increase in per capita disposable income).

Irish dairy farmers must act now to develop their farm systems, planning for increased milk production while at the same time cushioning against the potential volatility expected in milk price. The Food Harvest 2020 document predicts a 50% increase in milk production deliveries by 2020.