29 February 2012

2 minute read

Europe

The Minister noted that a key target of Food Harvest 2020 was a 50 per cent increase in national milk production by the end of the decade, pointing out that participation in dairy discussion groups, as supported under this programme, is an important element in helping achieve this ambitious target.

"Research has shown that participation in discussion groups has a real and tangible benefit for farmers, with Teagasc measuring this as equivalent to an increase of between one and two cent per litre" the Minister said.

The second year of the programme has built on the success of the first year, the Minister noted, with in the region of 6,000 farmers ultimately expected to have satisfied the requirements of the programme and thereby qualifying for a payment of €975 each.

"I am encouraged at the level of commitment shown by the farmers concerned and, indeed, by the ongoing interest in the Programme" the Minister said, adding: "It is remarkable to see that since the introduction of the programme, numbers participating on discussion groups has more than doubled.

"This can only help the industry as a whole and I earnestly urge all who have signed up to the programme to do their utmost to participate fully in the schedule of meetings and events throughout the year, as in the first instance, this will safeguard their payments under the 2012 Programme, but more importantly, will ensure the desired transfer of knowledge and skills that will ultimately benefit all in the industry."

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