Partnership arrangements between dairy farmers for milk production under the quota system will be allowed for the first time in Ireland from April 1st next.

This was confirmed by the Minister for Agriculture Joe Walsh this week. Work is commencing on the drafting of a statutory instrument and the Minister said that the provisions would be in place for the beginning of the new quota year in April.

However he stressed that the provision for partnerships will be introduced on a pilot basis initially and will be subjected to a detailed review after 12 months in operation. He said that strict criteria would apply to ensure that only genuine partnerships were established and to ensure that the operation of the milk quota system in Ireland was not undermined.