Stephen Cadogan: Ireland's derogation has bucked the trend of EU dairy decline

Perhaps the Irish nitrates situation has allowed the EU to show it too is concerned for the future of EU dairying, writes Stephen Cadogan

Across the EU, despite lower feed costs, smaller dairy farms are being pushed out of production by fluctuating farm-gate milk prices. Picture: iStock

In light of the current European Commission's stated mission to start boosting EU food production, it was perhaps not surprising that Ireland's nitrates derogation was approved for a further three years.

Last February, the Vision for Agriculture and Food for the 2024-2029 Von der Leyen II mandate became the basis of legislative proposals and other commission actions. It laid down the need for “a global level playing field” for EU farmers, and improved competitiveness.