South East Region Meeting

 Members of ICMSA’s South East Region will meet next Thursday 8 March at 8.30PM in theSpringhillCourtHotelon theWaterford Roadin Kilkenny. The meeting will be addressed by our President, John Comer, and by Liam Aylward, MEP, and will concentrate on CAP reform and EU dairy policy. Shane O’Loughlin of Wicklow ICMSA will chair the meeting and Chris Fox, also of Wicklow ICMSA, will act as secretary. All queries should be directed to John Quigley, Area Development Officer, at 087-6791360.

 Ends.

 Cathal MacCarthy, ICMSA Press Office, 061-314677 or 087-6168758

ICMSA welcome slight improvement in Super Levy position but urges farmers to remain ‘extremely vigilant’ on individual position

Commenting on the announcement by the Department of Agriculture, Food & Marine that the official milk quota position at the end of January 2012 was 0.3% under quota, Mr. Pat McCormack, Deputy President and Chairperson of ICMSA’s Dairy Committee, said that while this represents a further improvement from the end of December, the threat of a super levy remains very likely.   Mr McCormack noted that in January 2011Irelandwas 1.41% under quota and effectively ended on quota for the year, he observed that a similar supply pattern for February and March this year will lead to a superlevy fine for farmers. It should also be borne in mind that 0.3% under quota is less than 1,000 litres per supplier so the margin at present in very tight.

“It is critically important that each individual supplier examines his/her own position and consults with their Co-op on an ongoing basis regarding the Co-op’s position.  In the context of a super levy fine of 28.65 cents per litre, incurring such a penalty could have a disastrous impact on a farmer so they must take every measure possible to limit their exposure. Milk suppliers must be extremely vigilant” , said Mr McCormack.

Finally, Mr. McCormack said, that the Department of Agriculture, Food & Marine should endeavour to release the super levy figures earlier in March given the importance of up-to-minute accurate information for farmers.

Ends       16 Feb. 2012.

Pat McCormack, 087-7608958

Deputy President of ICMSA and Chairman of the Dairy Committee

or

Cathal MacCarthy, 087-6168758

ICMSA Press office.

WILL BE HELD AT THE CARLTON

CASTLETROY PARK HOTEL, LIMERICK

ON SATURDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2011

AGENDA AND PROGRAMME

SESSION 1:   11.00.am – 12.45 pm  

(1) Minutes   (2) Matters Arising   (3) 2010 Statement of Accounts   (4) Appointment of Auditor (5) Part One of Resolutions from ICMSA Executives/Regions and Areas.

SESSION 2:  1.45 pm – 3.00 pm 

Address by the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD.

Address by the President of ICMSA, Jackie Cahill.

SESSION 3: 3.00pm – 5.30pm

The Impact on Farmers of Proposed Changes to the Single Farm Payment, EU Dairy Rules & Rural Development.

Speakers:            Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine.

Liam Aylward MEP, Member of the Agricultural Committee of the European Parliament. 

Mairead McGuinness MEP, Member of the Agricultural Committee of the European Parliament.

Part two of resolutions from ICMSA Executive/Regions & Areas.

Confirmation is required if you are attending the AGM & Lunch by Phone 061-314677, Fax 061-315737 or e-mail to info@icmsa.ie by 15 November 2011quoting number on label

Hosted by Davis Financial Services

& Garahy Breen Solicitors

With guest speakers

Minister for Agriculture, Food & The Marine:

SIMON COVENEY TD

Director of Markets from An Board Bia:

MICHAEL MURPHY

On Thursday 6th October 2011

In The Courtyard, Main Street, Ferns

Commencing at 7pm

You are invited to an evening themed:

“The Future of Irish Farming and

Local Food Producers”

Hosted by Davis Financial Services

& Garahy Breen Solicitors

With guest speakers

Minister for Agriculture, Food & The Marine:

SIMON COVENEY TD

Director of Markets from An Board Bia:

MICHAEL MURPHY

On Thursday 6th October 2011

In The Courtyard, Main Street, Ferns

Commencing at 7pm

You are invited to an evening themed:

“The Future of Irish Farming and

Local Food Producers”