The body set up to regulate the supply of milk for liquid consumption in Ireland, The National Milk Agency (NMA), saw its income fall 1% to €515,165. Income from milk levies (€513,695) fell 1%, as the supplies of milk for processing for liquid milk fell 1% to 478m litres. Operating costs at the agency increased 3% to €541,919. Personnel- and staff-related costs, representing 66% of total costs, increased 1% to €357,563. The agency runs five staff.

Operating loss

Other administration costs and depreciation amounted to €184,396 and increased by 9%. The agency made an operating loss for the year of €26,754. The agency collects a levy of 0.115c/litre on milk purchased for processing for liquid milk consumption. At year-end, accumulated funds amounted to €1.1m and was comprised mainly of cash and deposits of €0.96m.

A total of 1808 producers supply liquid milk in Ireland, down 2% on the prior year according to the NMA. They are contracted to supply milk for processing for liquid consumption on an all year round basis or for the winter months only.