asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if, in view of the importance of the protein constituent of milk and of the existence of automated methods for the estimation of fat and proteins, milk will be paid for on a fat and protein basis.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Milk Prices.
93.
The dairy industry has not sought such a change nor do I consider that it would be likely to offer advantages to Irish dairy farmers generally.
Is the Minister aware that, from a nutritional point of view, protein is now gaining recognition as being the most valuable constituent in milk and this was so stated in a farm food research paper?
Most people are well aware of the high nutritional value of milk proteins but, as I stated in my reply, there has been no request for any change such as that suggested by the Deputy.
If the Minister said so, we must accept that there has been no formal representation from the industry, but is the Minister not aware that many experts here and elsewhere have indicated that it would be better to buy milk on total solids of protein and fat rather than on fat alone and, since breeding policies with regard to cattle necessarily have their influences slowly, is it not desirable to foresee the evolution of the market and to change to producing milk on total solids instead of fats in order to avoid introducing a crash course in a hurry to supply what is wanted?
The value of any gallon of milk must be based on its total constituents of fat, carbohydrate and protein. In reply to Deputy Keating, we have not got round to that yet.
Have there been any moves in the Department or among the farming community to test the suggestion I have put forward?
I am not aware that the industry or farming community representatives have made any representations about this, but airing the matter here now may direct attention to it and, from that point of view, it may be a useful exercise.
If we arrange for representatives to make representations to the Minister in the near future will he consider them sympathetically?
If a case is made to me I will certainly consider it.
Is the Minister aware that experts have advocated the desirability of the dairying industry in general becoming much more aware of the value of proteins and, since we are about to enter the EEC, the matter is all the more important?
Yes, I am aware of it.