Meanwhile, the largest grouping in the European Parliament, the centre right EPP party added their significant political weight to the discussion by calling for EU wide compulsory measures to reduce milk production on a temporary basis.

The Council of Agricultural Ministers will meet next on 27-28 June, with an additional meeting planned on 18^th July.  The Commissioner for Agriculture, Phil Hogan has not ruled out a second aid package, depending on the level of unspent margins within the 2016 CAP budget and the political appetite amongst Ministers regarding the possible use of the crisis reserve fund.

By Eamonn Farrell

Agri-Food Policy Executive