THE French government is to confer the Commandeur Merite Agricole honour on Ireland East member of the European Parliament Liam Aylward.

THE 2% milk quota increase decided at last week’s European Council of Agricultural Ministers is to be allocated in Ireland on a permanent basis to every producer active on April 1 next — the start of the new quota year.

FURTHER progress was made at the European Council of Agricultural Ministers in Luxembourg on achieving a tolerable and more reasonable farm inspection regime, according to Irish Farmers Association president, Padraig Walshe.