Dairy Farmers Criticize 'Over the Top' Price Cuts by Dairygold
Source: dairynews.today
Irish farmers express discontent over Dairygold's substantial milk price reduction, pointing to global market volatility.
In a controversial move, Dairygold announced a 3c/L cut to its milk price for August, drawing sharp criticism from the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA). Labelled as "totally over the top," this decision comes amidst global market volatility and declining commodity values, affecting key products like butter and cheese. The IFA's Dairy Committee chair, Martin McElearney, highlighted the significant financial impact, estimating an average loss of €1,600 per farmer. While Dairygold's chairperson, Pat Clancy, justified the cut due to a "dramatic deterioration in global dairy prices," the juxtaposition with stable market signs, as evidenced in the Global Dairy Trade auction, fuels the debate. This tension underscores broader challenges for cooperatives in balancing competitive market demands with local producer welfare.
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