Ireland: Dairy Industry Pressured to Provide Financial Relief Amidst Ongoing Weather Challenges
Source: The DairyNews
In the wake of persistent adverse weather conditions, milk processors are facing mounting calls to alleviate financial strain on dairy and livestock farmers by implementing a "hardship top-up" on March milk sales.
Francie Gorman, president of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), emphasized the urgent need for processors to redirect market profits back to struggling farmers, who are grappling with unrelenting rainfall and its repercussions on agricultural activities.
Following deliberations at the National Fodder and Food Security Committee on March 29, Gorman stressed the imperative to extend comprehensive support to farmers, particularly as meteorological forecasts indicate above-average precipitation levels across the country. According to Met Éireann, rainfall estimates range from 15-35mm, with southern regions likely to experience 40 to 60mm.
Gorman advocated for milk processors to institute a supplemental payment of "at least 3c/L on all March milk," emphasizing the necessity to alleviate cash flow constraints exacerbated by the challenges of the spring season. He underscored the pivotal role of financial institutions in offering flexible solutions to farmers facing economic strain, urging prompt action from both banking entities and governmental bodies to expedite aid disbursement.
Acknowledging the severe impact of adverse weather on dairy farming, Gorman implored processors to expedite the disbursement of funds to mitigate the financial burden on farmers. He urged co-ops and processors to proactively address the pressing need for liquidity by offering a timely top-up payment on March milk deliveries.
Additionally, Gorman called upon the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to implement targeted initiatives, such as a tillage survival scheme, to provide specific assistance to tillage farmers grappling with the fallout of adverse weather conditions.
Against the backdrop of mounting challenges, Gorman emphasized the importance of solidarity within the farming community, urging farmers to extend support to one another and fostering a culture of mutual assistance during these trying times.
Following deliberations at the National Fodder and Food Security Committee on March 29, Gorman stressed the imperative to extend comprehensive support to farmers, particularly as meteorological forecasts indicate above-average precipitation levels across the country. According to Met Éireann, rainfall estimates range from 15-35mm, with southern regions likely to experience 40 to 60mm.
Gorman advocated for milk processors to institute a supplemental payment of "at least 3c/L on all March milk," emphasizing the necessity to alleviate cash flow constraints exacerbated by the challenges of the spring season. He underscored the pivotal role of financial institutions in offering flexible solutions to farmers facing economic strain, urging prompt action from both banking entities and governmental bodies to expedite aid disbursement.
Acknowledging the severe impact of adverse weather on dairy farming, Gorman implored processors to expedite the disbursement of funds to mitigate the financial burden on farmers. He urged co-ops and processors to proactively address the pressing need for liquidity by offering a timely top-up payment on March milk deliveries.
Additionally, Gorman called upon the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to implement targeted initiatives, such as a tillage survival scheme, to provide specific assistance to tillage farmers grappling with the fallout of adverse weather conditions.
Against the backdrop of mounting challenges, Gorman emphasized the importance of solidarity within the farming community, urging farmers to extend support to one another and fostering a culture of mutual assistance during these trying times.
