Vol. 501 No. 6
204 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will re-examine the possibility of having the milk quota year changed to the calendar year; his views on whether this change would make the management of quota easier for the majority of farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7129/99]
Under the EU legislation on the milk quota system, the milk quota year is defined as the 12 month period commencing on 1 April. The quota year 1 April to 31 March applies, therefore, in all member states.
In the course of the regular reviews of the operation of the milk quota system in Ireland carried out by my Department in consultation with the farming organisations, representatives of the dairy industry and technical advisers, the question of an alternative quota year has been addressed. The overall consensus arrived at in these reviews was that an amendment to the EU legislation to change the quota year should not be sought and that the disadvantages of a calendar quota year outweigh its advantages. I share this view and, therefore, do not intend to seek an amendment to the regulations.
