The ICMSA, has today (Thursday, July 7th, 2022), called for 55c/L “as a minimum” for June milk.
Chairperson of its dairy committee, Noel Murphy, said, that while dairy markets continue in a “very strong” position, the returns at milk processor level are still not being “fully reflected” in the price farmers are receiving.
Minimum of 55c/L
Speaking in advance of milk price announcements for June, he said:
“While we acknowledge that milk prices are at record levels, we also point to record high input costs.”
“While revenues are strong, the bills farmers have to pay are unfortunately stronger. The co-ops must know that. That is why it is so important that every cent that can be returned to their suppliers is passed back.”
In the organisation’s opinion, this means co-ops should pay 55 cents per litre as a minimum.
He pointed to the Ornua PPI, which is “in excess of that price” and also the fact that Dutch dairy quotations are currently over 60c/L.
He said that a price of 55c/L is not an “unreasonable” request and is “fully justified” by marketplace developments.
“Farmers are being ravaged by rocketing input cost bills that have been building up since the start of this year.”
He stressed that farmers have to get every cent that their milk is fetching in these continually climbing markets.
Other news
In other news, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, has clarified the official definition of a ‘forgotten farmer’.
The minister relayed the information to Cavan-Monaghan-based Sinn Fein TD, Matt Carthy, who asked the minister to confirm the number of farmers thought to comprise the category known as ‘the forgotten farmers’.
In a statement, the minister explained that ‘forgotten farmer’ includes those who:
- Had set up their agricultural holdings before 2008;
- Were under 40 in 2015;
- Held low-value payment entitlements;
- Ineligible for young farmer supports under the CAP from 2015.
Read more on this.
