Tirlán issues an emergency signal for the government

IFA president Francie Gorman said the Tirlán cost reduction program announced this morning was very concerning and a direct result of EU and government policy.

The dairy sector makes a huge contribution to the sustainable economic and social development of rural Ireland. However, margins are squeezed by government policies that focus on reducing production rather than sustainable growth of the sector.

“The tightening of the existing nitrate derogation, combined with increased regulations and cuts in support, are making life increasingly difficult for the dairy and arable farmers who supply Tirlán,” said Francie Gorman.

“Today’s announcement must galvanize the government to focus on the economic well-being of the sector,” he said.

“They oversaw the cutting of the derogation limit without properly assessing the economic and even environmental consequences. There is an immediate need to focus on the sector to see how we can develop it in a sustainable way to protect farmers’ livelihoods and jobs in the sector,” said the IFA president.

“This morning’s announcement will concern Tirlàn employees and their families. Morale among farmers is also very low. Political uncertainty is so great that farmers are unable to plan. This needs to be addressed,” he added.

“I would like to emphasize that Tirlán must pay farmers high prices for milk and cereals and ensure access to means of production at competitive prices. Farmers are also feeling the losses and can no longer make further cuts to their margins,” he concluded.