Government Launches New Scheme For The Allocation Of Additional Milk Quota To Organic Milk Producers

According to the Clare T.D., ‘Under the Scheme organic milk producers will be able to apply to the Department for up to 45,000 litres of additional quota from the National Reserve, which could potentially release about 750,000 litres of quota to organic producers in the current milk quota year’.

He added, ‘Like my Junior Ministerial colleague Trevor Sargent T.D., who announced the new scheme, I am delighted to learn that the additional quota for organic milk producers has been facilitated by the recent 2% increase in quota from 1 April 2008.’

Minister of State Killeen said that a strong market already exists and continues to grow both at home and abroad for Irish organic dairy products.

‘The basic raw material of organic milk is in scarce supply in this country. Therefore, the provision of additional quota will allow existing producers to expand and should also encourage new entrants into the sector’, he commented.

Application forms for the Scheme are now available on the Department website www.agriculture.gov.ie or from the Milk Policy Division.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (with special responsibility for Fisheries and Forestry), is available for interview and further comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- High-resolution images of Minister Killeen are available

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900