The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) calls for the farmgate milk price increase

“This is more than justified based on the returns Irish processors are now getting for dairy products, and it’s vital to help dairy farmers meet the spiralling cost of inputs at farm level,”​ IFA Dairy Chairman Stephen Arthur said. Arthur characterised European dairy commodity markets as very strong, with cheddar cheese is now trading at over €5,500 per tonne. In the last 12 months, butter has risen by 69%; Skimmed Milk Powder by 62%; and Whole Milk Powder by 64%, data shared by the IFA revealed. However, the farming association estimates that the milk price paid to farmers has only increased by 36% in the same period. “Globally, milk supply is back 1% year to date. With high input costs, it’s forecasted that there will be no growth in world supply in 2022. Security of supply will be an issue as the year progresses,”​ Arthur insisted. “Board members of dairy processors must look at what they are paying farmers for April milk. If this is less than what the markets are returning, ...