ICMSA Urges Support for EU Dairy Sector at Farm Council Meeting

The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) has made a formal request to Minister Heydon to support an initiative by Belgium and five other EU member states aimed at aiding the dairy sector. This call comes ahead of the EU Farm Council meeting scheduled for this week. The proposal seeks to address current challenges faced by dairy producers by potentially activating a temporary and voluntary program to reduce milk production across Europe.

Denis Drennan, president of the ICMSA, highlighted the importance of the minister sending a strong signal of support. The proposed program is reminiscent of the voluntary reduction scheme successfully implemented in 2016, which was designed to stabilize the market by reducing surplus production.

The ICMSA emphasizes the need for measures that would support primary producers, especially where the market fails to provide sustainable pricing. This initiative aims to provide dairy farmers with more choices and help stabilize the industry amidst economic pressures.

The proposal's support by multiple EU member states, including Belgium, underscores its potential significance and urgency. The ICMSA's call to action is part of broader efforts to secure the future of the dairy sector in Ireland and across the EU.