The Irish Farmers Association has called on co-ops to set a supportive tone for the April milk price.
IFA National Dairy Chairman Tom Phelan has said that the co-ops purchasing the milk have a responsibility to all milk producers to set a fair price.
Phelan said, “Co-ops have already cut their base price significantly in March and, as they supported the March pay-outs, this will only now hit farmers. Poor grass growth conditions well into April and continued fodder shortages will depress milk cheques through lower volumes and poorer constituents.”
“I have written to all co-ops this month, on behalf of the Committee, and expect this letter to be read out at every board meeting over the coming days. I ask all board members to take on board the need to continue supporting milk prices to sustain farmers and supplies.”
Phelan recently admitted that a voluntary milk production control mechanism may become “inevitable” to counter price volatility in the sector.
While Phelan said he is more optimistic than before, considering the fall in production in New Zealand, he still remains conscious of the effect that market will have on farmers and milk producers.
© 2018 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Aidan O’Sullivan. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
