Aid Sought For Dairy Farmers

Ireland, along with 14 other EU states, have called for greater protection of currently troubled dairy farmers.

Minister for Agriculture Brendan Smith yesterday attended the EU council of agriculture ministers, at which the measures were discussed.

Mr Smith called for "rapid action at EU level" to deal with what he called "the very serious situation on European milk markets driven by the global economic crisis."

Last week, disgruntled creamery and milk farmers launched a demonstration outside government buildings, in protest at what they believe are unfair prices for their produce.

Members of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) protested in Dublin using mobile equipment to milk cows in front of the Taoiseach's office to highlight their difficulties.

Some 100 ICMSA members were present for the demonstration saying they were being paid for milk at a price below what it costs to produce.

At yesterday's EU council meeting, Mr Smith said the group of 15 ministers had called for a “comprehensive EU approach combining immediate short-term measures along with a medium term strategy to deal with volatility in the milk sector”. Several other countries also broadly supported this position, he said.

The Dairy Market Situation report, drawn up by EU experts, suggested loans or state aid up to €15,000 could be given to farmers with liquidity problems. It also pledged to continue using market supports such as export refunds for dairy products and said it would use all its powers to stop anti-competitive measures in the dairy sector.

(DW/KMcA)