Coveney: Lifting Of Eu Milk Quotas Like 'removing A Straitjacket' From Farmers

Coveney: lifting of eu milk quotas like 'removing a straitjacket' from farmers

The Agriculture Minister says the lifting of the EU milk quotas after 31 years is like "removing a straitjacket" from farmers. Simon Coveney says the restrictions, which limited the amount of milk farmers could sell, meant the Irish dairy industry was operating in an artificial environment. He says over 10,000 jobs can be created in the industry in the next five years - and will see Ireland become the world's fastest growing dairy producer over the next decade. Minister Simon Coveney says the end of quotas is a huge opportunity for the economy. "We have a great industry, that despite the fact that they have been operating in a straitjacket for more than three decades - in terms of not being allowed to grow from a value point of view - have found a way to grow in value terms; by moving from exporting and trading commodity products to now exporting premium products all over the world " he said.