Clare producers are calling for the urgent introduction of a milk price regulator to curb spiraling input costs in the industry.
The ICMSA says the current debate surrounding consumer food prices is ‘underpinned by dishonesty’ and that farmers have been the true victims of supermarket dominance for decades.
The Clare Chair of the Irish Creamery & Milk Supplier’s Association is calling for the urgent introduction of a milk price regulator to curb spiraling input costs in the industry.
It follows a meeting between the Minister For State with Responsibility for Retail Business, Neale Richmond and the Retail Forum to address unverified reports of price gouging affecting consumers.
However the ICMSA feels the spotlight of the debate should be focusing on local farmers who have been underpaid for their produce for decades.
Research from the Irish Farmers Association shows that farmers have endured milk price cuts in excess of 10 cent per litre since January, equating to an income reduction of €50,000 per annum for the average supplier.
O’Callaghan’s Mills based farmer Martin McMahon believes the current prices are acting as a barrier for young people to enter the industry and that soon quality local produce will become a thing of the past.
Meanwhile the owner of a North Clare Milk company claims rising input costs coupled with low market rates is suffocating local providers.
John Vaughan from Mooghana Milk in Inagh & Miltown Malbay says the industry is no longer sustainable for small farmers.
You can listen to the interview below.
