THE MINISTER FOR Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney has announced that the preliminary output estimate for the end of the milk quota year is that Ireland will finish 0.94 per cent over quota.

The 2013/14 quota year expired on 31 March with the 0.94 per cent figure being an estimate based on returns to the Department by the co-ops, taking into account the relevant butterfat adjustment.

The final figure will be confirmed at the end of May.

“While this end of year figure is still only an estimate, it appears that farmers have made substantial efforts over recent weeks to manage their supplies. The current position represents a significant improvement in production management since last January when the estimated milk quota position was 1.63 per cent over quota,” said Minister Coveney.

This years estimate is a reduction on the 1.26 per cent estimate at end of February and continues a downward trend from December of last year, which is being attributed to unfavourable weather in the first quarter of this year as well as better management by farmers of their supplies.

The minister said that while many farmers are anxious to expand their production levels, it is important to remember that quota restrictions will remain in place until this time next year.

“I would encourage farmers to be conscious of this and to plan prudently as they prepare for the post quota era,” he said. 

He added:

We are now entering a momentous phase in Irish agriculture history, with less than one year to go to quota abolition. This time next year the Irish dairy sector will be unbound by quota restrictions and can begin to realise its vast potential and make an even greater contribution to our national economy.

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