Gildernew responds to dairy challenges

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA today responded to an Assembly debate on the difficulties facing the dairy sector.

Speaking afterwards, the Minister said: “This debate has provided a good opportunity to discuss the challenges facing the dairy sector which makes such an important contribution to the local economy and life in rural areas.

“I also wanted to assure both producers and processors that we will continue to work closely with them and do all that we can to help them plan with confidence for the future. That is why DETI Minister Arlene Foster and I agreed to support an industry-led Dairy Competitiveness Study, which is focussing on how the dairy sector will need to adapt post 2015, when milk quotas end. The study is due for completion by the end of this year and, while it would be premature to set up a taskforce before then, I do not rule out such a possibility when we see the recommendations.”

Moving onto existing assistance measures for the dairy industry, the Minister said: “Members should recognise that my Department already carries out a wide range of activities aimed at assisting the dairy sector. These include the provision of various support programmes at CAFRE and scientific research by AFBI. In addition, financial assistance has been made available particularly under the Rural Development Programme and the Regional Food Programme.

“However, the industry also has its part to play. While I acknowledge that there are difficulties presented by the global downturn, the reality is that markets do fluctuate. I believe that if the industry is to succeed it must follow a market-led approach, capable of operating without Government subsidies. We still remain too dependant on commodity type products such as milk powders and must raise our game to higher added value and innovative products. Only in this way is it likely to succeed.

“My aim is to help underpin the good work which the industry does and to work for outcomes on issues which are in the best long term interests of the industry. I hope that in the this regard the competitiveness study will prove to be a watershed for the future well-being of the entire sector.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The No Day Named motion was brought forward by Dr W McCrea (MP, MLA, South Antrim); Mr E Poots (MLA Lagan Valley); Mr W Irwin (MLA, Newry and Armagh) and Mr T Clarke (MLA, South Antrim):

“That this Assembly recognises the difficulties facing the dairy sector and calls on the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to set up a task force to consider the way forward for the sector and how it can be assisted in advance of the abolition of milk quotas.”

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