A DECISION by the EU Commission in relation to BSE controls will remove a significant cost for meat processors in Ireland and enable them to boost returns to livestock farmers, the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers has claimed.

AS THE bluetongue virus continues to spread in Britain and other parts of Europe, the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association has warned of the threat it poses to the Irish livestock sector.

A PROPOSAL by the European Commission to increase the rate of modulation by 2% per annum from 2010 to 2013 would represent a total cut of 8% in a farmer’s single payment at a time when the payment itself is falling in real terms, the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association claimed yesterday.

A new €235 million suckler welfare scheme was announced yesterday by Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister Mary Coughlan, after it was approved by the European Commission.

A PROPOSAL by the European Commission to elevate Brazil to the status of strategic partner has been described by the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association as a strategic blunder.

Marts: Spring finishers of beef warned the processing industry at a meeting with Meat Industry Ireland last Friday of being left high and dry without spring beef supplies unless prices are improved.

AGRICULTURE and Food Minister Mary Coughlan has been urged to ensure that facilities are provided for farmers to clearly view weighing scales in meat processing plants.