The plans for expansion of the dairy sector will require investment inside the farm gate and at processing level.

At the weekend I addressed the annual Macra na Feirme rally in Waterford.

In recent weeks the meat factories have cut Irish cattle prices by up to 40c/kg, or €150/hd, opening up a major price gap with prices in our main export market in the UK. The IFA have reacted strongly, reflecting the farmer anger on the ground with the factories.

French consumer demand for organic yoghurt is increasing, according to the French National Organic Agriculture Federation.

THERE’S an air of confidence at most levels of the food business, not least due to the Food Harvest 2020 plan, and a feeling that there’s someone at the wheel.

THE IFA has identified €450 million in additional profit potential for livestock farmers.

THE recently-published Food Harvest 2020 report heralds an exciting phase in the evolution and growth of the Irish dairy industry.

Carlow: The first meeting of the group set up to implement the Food Harvest 2020 strategy will be held next week.