Farm Organizations Challenge Tirlán on Regional Milk Price Discrepancies in Northern Ireland
Source: The DairyNews
Representatives from agricultural organizations have formally requested Tirlán to clarify the apparent price discrepancies in milk payments between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
According to insights from Agriland.ie, it is estimated that Northern Irish farmers might receive up to 2 cents per liter more than their Southern counterparts.
Tirlán, which partners with approximately 180 dairy suppliers in Northern Ireland, has responded by highlighting that monthly price variances can arise due to factors like currency fluctuations and differing milk quality standards. The company, headquartered in Kilkenny, emphasizes that it strives to maintain consistent pricing across both regions, notwithstanding the inherent differences in milk supply patterns.
The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) and the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association (ICMSA) have both raised concerns about these pricing disparities. Last month, Tirlán announced an increase in the May milk price for its Southern suppliers by 0.5 cents per liter, setting the base milk price at 41.58 cents per liter. Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland, the base price was set at 37.15 pence per liter.
Tirlán has been a pioneer in Northern Ireland, leading changes towards payment for milk solids rather than volume, a practice it adopted in 2022 to better align with industry standards.
Tirlán, which partners with approximately 180 dairy suppliers in Northern Ireland, has responded by highlighting that monthly price variances can arise due to factors like currency fluctuations and differing milk quality standards. The company, headquartered in Kilkenny, emphasizes that it strives to maintain consistent pricing across both regions, notwithstanding the inherent differences in milk supply patterns.
The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) and the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association (ICMSA) have both raised concerns about these pricing disparities. Last month, Tirlán announced an increase in the May milk price for its Southern suppliers by 0.5 cents per liter, setting the base milk price at 41.58 cents per liter. Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland, the base price was set at 37.15 pence per liter.
Tirlán has been a pioneer in Northern Ireland, leading changes towards payment for milk solids rather than volume, a practice it adopted in 2022 to better align with industry standards.
