The figure was 7.15% and 6.51% in October and November respectively. Despite the drop, it is still way above the 1.63% over-quota this time last year. The quota year will end on 31 March when EU milk quotas will be abolished.

“This downward trend in the over-quota figure is welcome as it reduces the exposure of farmers to superlevy payments," said the Minister. "I would encourage prudent management by farmers of their output in these final three months of the quota regime to help ensure that they enter the quota-free world with as little debt as possible."

No soft landing

Minister Coveney added that he is continuing to work with Ag Commissioner Phil Hogan to examine if measures can be taken to minimise the bill.

However, Hogan has previously stated there is no prospect of avoiding the threat of massive superlevy bills.

Milk deliveries for the 2013/2014 milk quota year were 0.65% above quota, leading to a €10.5m fine.

Tips on reducing your superlevy bill