IFA seeks finance help ahead of big superlevy

IFA National Dairy Committee chairman Sean O’Leary has called for financing solutions, and support from Government, co-ops and banks, to help expanding farmers deal with superlevy costs.

He said superlevy will form part of the cost of expansion for some farmers for the next 13 months.

“We cannot ignore the fact that, while four to five member states share our view, there is more support for quota management in Europe than for a loosening of the regime.

“It is crucial that farmers factor superlevy into their business plans right out to March 31, 2015. As the legal liability for the fine is firmly on the farmer, it is clear that it will now form part of the costs expanding farmers may need to incur.

Mr O’Leary’s comments came after Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney said milk supplies up to the end of 2013 left Ireland 1.63% over quota, compared to 3.73% under quota 12 months previously, and to 1.38% over quota at the end of last November.

The Minister said it is almost certain that Ireland will exceed its milk quota allocation at the end of the milk quota year and that some suppliers will incur a superlevy fine.