Superlevy bill spread over three years

Irish dairy farmers, regardless of milk processor, will be able to spread their 2014/2015 superlevy bill over a three-year period.

However, payment of the full amount must still be made by Ireland to the European Commission by 1 November, so it remains to be confirmed whether the interest bill for the deferred payment will fall to dairy processors or the State.

The Commission’s proposal would see dairy processors pay one third of their bill by 1 October 2015, the second by 1 October 2016 and the final amount by 1 October 2017. However, there is not universal approval for the measure. Each member state must now revert with their views.

EU Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan said that the move would “help overcome short-term hardship for farmers by boosting cashflow”.