Irish agriculture has changed beyond recognition since 1970s
The milk quota regime was abolished in 2015 and farmers could again produce as much as they wished, as long as they had buyers for it. Photograph: Yuri Arcurs/peopleimages.com
Prior to EU membership, Irish farmers were paid world market prices or below for their produce, while European prices were significantly higher. Access to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and its price support mechanisms saw Irish farmers receiving much higher prices for their output.
That led to what many look back on as a golden age for Irish agriculture during the 1970s — not that it was without its challenges.
