Fines loom as figures show dairy sector is running 1.38% over quota

The likelihood of dairy farmers facing a super-levy fine next April have been cemented by Department of Agriculture estimates that the sector is running at 1.38% over quota for the end of November.

This figure, which takes into account the relevant butterfat adjustment, is up from the previous estimate of 0.9% over quota for October. Ireland was 3.36% under quota this time last year, and narrowly avoided a super-levy fine. The last time Ireland was over quota, for the 2011/12 season ending Mar 31 2012, dairy farmers paid €11m in super-levy fines to the EU.

Announcing the quota update, Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney cautioned suppliers that they should only sell their milk through their usual purchaser in compliance with the milk quota regulations.