Written answers

Tuesday, 27 June 2006

Department of Agriculture and Food

Milk Quota

11:00 pm

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 81: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the nature of the solid progress she and her Department have made in the continuing consultation process on the detailed arrangements to give effect to her decision in relation to the move to a more open market system for transferring milk quotas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24594/06]

Photo of Mary CoughlanMary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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In March I announced my intention to move to a more open market system for transferring milk quotas, which will come into effect on 1st April 2007.

My Department and I are progressing with the ongoing consultation process on the detailed arrangements to give effect to my decision. This has comprised of meetings with the relevant farm organisations and with representatives of the milk-processing sector and individual co-ops. The issue of future milk quota policy has also been discussed with the participating farm organisations at the partnership negotiations. Furthermore, there has been contact with colleagues in other countries with experience of operating more open market systems.

We are continuing with a comprehensive analysis of the issues raised and the options for dealing with them, with a view to designing an appropriate transfer mechanism. Further consultations will take place before finalising the new system, and the operational details will be announced in good time to allow for all parties concerned to make appropriate plans before the start of the 2007/2008 milk quota year.

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