The move by Lakeland Dairies to lift its base price for July milk supplies has been welcomed by IFA dairy chair Tom Phelan.

Lakeland announced a price of 29.4c/l excluding VAT, an increase of 1c/l on the previous month.

“This move by Lakeland is welcome, and confirms that the recent market value improvements mean that co-ops can, and must increase prices for July milk.

“The other co-ops will be setting their prices over the coming days, and we encourage them to follow Lakeland’s example and return at least an additional 1c/l to their suppliers,” he stated.

Phelan said the increase comes after the IFA had highlighted that international milk price comparisons showed Irish milk purchases were performing below par.

Comparison

The three participating co-ops, Kerry, Dairygold and Glanbia, came in €1/100kg (Kerry) and €2/100kg (Dairygold and Glanbia) below the average for the leading European processors, he said.

Lakeland increases July milk price

Dale Farm increases July milk price

Co-ops urged to follow Lakeland in lifting base price

Other co-ops setting their prices over the coming days have been encouraged to follow Lakeland’s example and increase their July base price.