The co-operative movement displayed true grit throughout the recent red status weather warning, which severely impacted milk collection. Great recognition is due to the many farmers, hauliers, milk quality teams, plant staff, local contractors and local authorities who went beyond the call of duty.

Recent extreme weather including Hurricane Ophelia and Storm Emma highlights the need for grant aid for the installation of standby generators and associated changeover switches. In the longer term, the range of risk management tools under the Common Agricultural Policy for uninsurable losses should be examined by the Irish Government in the context of the next CAP.

By Eamonn Farrell

Agri Food Policy Executive