Extra milk quota good for farming says minister

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan Smith speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the ICMSA in Limerick, said that the outcome of the CAP Health Check in securing a net increase of over 9% in additional quota, combined with the retention of essential market support measures, was an exceptional achievement.

The Minister expressed his optimism for the future of milk production in Ireland as a result of the deal concluded by him in Brussels last week, while also acknowledging the volatility of international dairy markets at present.

Referring specifically to the milk sector, the Minister said that "the deal on milk was a phenomenal success for Ireland and will allow dairy farmers unprecedented access to milk quotas. This deal is good for farmers, good for processors and good for the Irish economy".