Not enough milk processors have stepped up to the plate and paid a milk price that reflects the marketplace, according to the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA).
Commenting ahead of co-ops meeting this week to set the November milk price, IFA Dairy Committee chairman Tom Phelan said the gap between the highest price and the lowest among processors has to be addressed.
“Despite the turmoil of this year, the dairy sector is robust.
Trade has held steady, with positive indications for the market. The latest GDT [Global Dairy Trade] auction reported a 4.3% rise in prices, with significant gains across all commodity groups.
Continuing, the chairman highlighted that the Ornua Purchase Price Index (PPI) for October also increased to 104.3.
“When adjusted to include the Ornua Value Payment, this equates to 33.2c/L,” he added.
“Not enough processors have stepped up to the plate and paid a milk price that reflects the marketplace.
The gap between the highest payers and the lowest payers is widening, not narrowing. This has to be addressed this month.
“As we approach the end of the year and milk volumes decline, farmers need the maximum price available for their milk,” he said.
“All processors must offer a price rise this month,” Phelan concluded.