Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses and the work they do on behalf of dairy farmers. We are all very conscious of what has happened in the dairy sector over the past 12 months. Many people are struggling to produce milk on poorer land. Credit is the biggest problem. Some farmers had a problem with the super levy because they had increased production anticipating the end of the quota. We were told we would have white gold but this has not transpired. It has brought many people to the wall. Many people speak about selling their cows and stopping. It is a terrible situation for many farmers whose families have produced milk for generations.

The witnesses spoke about the power of multiple retailers. We are all conscious that while the price of milk has gone through the floor there is no difference in the price in the shop. In food production in this country, and perhaps throughout the world, the two ends seem to get screwed. Prices stay high for the consumers no matter what happens and prices keep getting lower for producers. Everyone in the middle seems to make all of the money. The farmer does all the work and takes all of the risk but gets the least out of it. The witnesses have stated that legislation needs to be introduced to ensure transparency. Transparency is one thing, but we are trying to create fair trade. Fair trade is vital for those producing coffee beans in Africa or wherever, but it is also vital for our people at home. As far as I can see, and it is clearly to be borne out, there is no fair trade when it comes to how the processors, the big players and the big multiples are able to dominate the market. They have totally and completely put the farmer out of business. This is what they are doing. It is almost like a glass ceiling. They are allowed to go so far but cannot get any further. Will the witnesses expand on what legislation they feel can be introduced to rectify the situation?