Lakeland Dairies has announced its milk price for the month of December, and has also confirmed that the loyalty payment announced last month will be paid out.
The processor has decided to hold its price at 49.6c/L for milk supplied from the Republic of Ireland, which is inclusive of the 0.5c/L Sustainability Incentive Payment.
Qualifying farmers will also receive a 5c/L out-of-season payment.
For suppliers in Northern Ireland, a base price of 40.8p/L will be paid for milk supplied in December, which is inclusive of the 0.5p/L Sustainability Incentive Payment.
The Northern Ireland base price has also been held from last month. A 3p/L out-of-season payment will be made on top of the base price.
In both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, the loyalty payment announced last month will be made at a rate of 0.8c/L and 0.65p/L respectively.
The loyalty payment applies to all milk supplied in 2024 for suppliers on both sides of the border.
Lakeland said that, after a period of volatility, the global dairy markets have started 2025 relatively stable, with supply and demand largely in balance.
The processor said it will continue to monitor the markets and will endeavour to support our farmers “as best we can”.
Lakeland chairperson
Meanwhile, the chairperson of Lakeland Dairies has written to the leaders of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, calling on them to include key dairy sector issues in the next programme for government.
In his letter, seen by Agriland, that was addressed to Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin, Niall Matthews said he was writing to “emphasise the critical importance of ensuring that dairy farming and rural communities are strongly represented and supported in the upcoming programme for government”.
“Our members, representing thousands of family-run farms across the country, placed their trust in your parties at the recent election, based on the commitments made in your manifestos. We are now watching closely to see these commitments honoured,” he said.
The Lakeland chair called on the two party leaders to prioritise three key issues, namely protection of the nitrates derogation; generational renewal; and tackling TB.
