Allister meets Dairy industry on Export Refunds
21 October 2008
Jim Allister MEP has met with a delegation from Dairy UK, on the need for export refunds to be reinstated by the European Commission. The call for export refunds comes as the World market situation for the next number of months looks bleak, with EU dairy exports being unable to compete with low commodity prices in the Southern Hemisphere.
The MEP said,
“I welcome the opportunity to meet with local dairy industry representatives, to discuss practical ways of assisting dairy farmers and processors over the coming months. The reality is that the Northern Ireland industry is overly reliant on exporting milk powder, a commodity which sadly has reduced in marketable value in recent months. In the absence of demand from GB for liquid milk, the price farmers receive for their milk could tumble.”
“I recognise we need both short term and long term solutions to this very difficult situation. Our industry must find ways of adding value, but the absence of investment aid from Government is undoubtedly stalling the rationalisation and efficiency savings process. In the immediate term, I will be making representations to Brussels on the case for export refunds to be reintroduced.”
ENDS
