The IFA this week put forward a number of measures aimed at protecting the liquid milk sector. The sector is undoubtedly facing an uncertain future unless the current model that returns an inadequate premium to farmers is changed.

However, liquid milk farmers are in a strong position to drive this change. Through farmer-owned co-ops, they supply a fresh product to retailers that ultimately need Irish milk. It is the one supply chain over which farmers should be able exert the most control and yet they are being forced out of business. Questions should be asked as to how the actions of co-ops in recent years have contributed to the situation in which the sector now finds itself.