A fairer food chain

Speaking at a European Parliament hearing on Monday, IFA president Joe Healy said it is critical that the recommendations of the EU Agricultural Markets Task Force Report are introduced without delay. The recommendations, if actively enforced, have the potential to increase price transparency, rebalance power in the food chain in favour of farmers and tackle unfair trading practices. Read more at www.ifa.ie.

Sheep scheme

IFA sheep chair John Lynskey has strongly encouraged all sheep farmers to apply for the new €10 per ewe sheep scheme by the closing date of 31 January. The scheme is a very positive development for the Irish sheep sector and was secured following an intensive IFA campaign. Worth €25m, there is adequate funding in the scheme to cover every sheep farmer with a breeding flock. Get full details at www.ifa.ie.

Milk price

With dairy markets set to continue strong in the coming months, co-ops can confidently increase milk prices into spring, dairy chair Sean O’Leary has said. He said that milk output continues to decrease globally, while demand remains solid in both developed and emerging countries and he called on co-op boards to increase prices as markets justify. Read further analysis of dairy markets at www.ifa.ie/dairy.

TB valuations

IFA animal health chair Bert Stewart has strongly criticised the Department of Agriculture for its interference with the independence of the live valuation scheme, and the resulting under-valuation of animals removed as TB reactors. The IFA has raised this issue directly with Minister Creed and is seeking a return to the political commitment given, which provides farmers the opportunity to receive the market value of their animals.