Irish milk production has continued to climb following the abolishment of quotas, with farmers allowed to increase herd size and, in turn, produce more milk.

After quotas went, milk prices began to slowly deteriorate. However this year, base milk prices have increased and for August were sitting on average at the 33-34c/l mark, excluding VAT.

But how do Irish milk prices compare with other European Union member states?

The latest data from the EU’s Milk Market Observatory (MMO) for July 2017, shows that overall milk prices are up in all member states on the same month last year.

For July, the EU average milk price was 33.17c/l, up from the 25.22c/l average price in July of last year – a 32% increase in price.

In Ireland for July, the average price paid was 33.95c/l, an increase of 45% on July 2017.

For other EU member states, the data shows:

  • UK milk price: up 27% to 29.58c/l.
  • German milk price: up 46% to 34.82c/l.
  • Dutch milk price: up 49% to 36.18c/l.
  • French milk price: up 21% to 32.98c/l.

    • Meanwhile, the country with the highest milk price in Europe is Croatia, with an average base price for July milk of 53.64c/l.

    The country with the lowest milk price was Romania, with a price of 25.89c/l for July.

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