Vol. 554 No. 5
237 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his proposals to benchmark the intervention milk price, which at present is 30.2 cent per litre before processing costs; his proposals to increase this price; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15443/02]
311 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will review the intervention price for skimmed milk powder to ensure farmers are paid a minimum of 28 cent per litre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16187/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 237 and 311 together.
The intervention price for butter and skimmed milk powder are set down in Council Regulation (EC) No 1255/99 of 17 May 1999 on the common organisation of the market in milk and milk products. The current intervention price levels are those agreed as part of the Agenda 2000 negotiations. This envisaged a reduction in support prices commencing in 2005, to coincide with the introduction of a dairy cow premium as part compensation for the price reduction. Any change in the intervention price would require a proposal from the EU Commission and agreement in the Council of Ministers.
