Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 February 2004
121 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the price being paid to dairy farmers for milk in 2003 as compared to 1993, 1983 and 1973; and the action he is taking in view of the fact that farmers are being paid less today for milk than a decade ago. [5060/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe manufactured milk price paid to farmers for the years 1973-2003, expressed in cent per litre, to the nearest cent are set out as follows:
|
Year |
Price cent/litre |
|
1973 |
6c |
|
1983 |
20c |
|
1993 |
28c |
|
2003 |
28c |
The CSO published data for milk prices starts from 1976, therefore the 1973 price quoted is an estimate based on the total value and quantity of milk used in industry in 1973, while the 2003 price is based on the average price paid over 11 months.
The price paid for milk is a commercial matter between milk producers and purchasers. The manufactured milk prices, as quoted above, are determined by a combination of the international market for dairy products, the product mix and the efficiency of processing as well as the overall operation of the EU price support mechanisms. I have in the past, and will continue in the future, to insist that all EU price support mechanisms are utilised in the most appropriate and effective manner to support the market.
