Milk price drop leaves indebted farmers vulnerable – Ferris
Speaking in Leinster House today, Sinn Féin’s Spokesperson on Agriculture, Martin Ferris TD, expressed concern about falling milk prices for producers.
Deputy Ferris said:
“The EU Commission is extending the deadline for intervention for milk in circumstances of falling prices.
“The intervention price is the equivalent of farm gate price of 21c/ltr and is not adequate. It is unacceptable to expect producers to sell for below production costs.
“The end of dairy quotas was heralded by the government as a bonanza and people were enthusiastically encouraged to invest in the dairy sector in the national interest.
“Now, many of these farmers find themselves in hock to the banks and without sufficient income to meet their repayments. Minister Coveney cannot abandon them and must ensure that intervention prices are adequate.”
