Written question asked by Roy Beggs (Ulster Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 9 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 November 2004. It was answered by Ian Pearson (Labour) on Monday, 15 November 2004 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what percentage of Northern Ireland dairy farmers received a milk price that failed to meet its cost of production in each of the last three years; and what support he provides to Northern Ireland dairy farmers.

Answer: Mr. Beggs: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of Northern Ireland dairy farmers received a milk price that failed to meet its cost of production in each of the last three years; and what support he provides to Northern Ireland dairy farmers. [197928] Mr. Pearson: An estimate of the number of Northern Ireland dairy farmers who receive a milk price that does not cover the costs of production is not determined on an annual basis by DARD. The most recent estimate for milk production costs is for the year ended March 2002. Using the information from that analysis, it is estimated that the milk price received on 24 per cent. of dairy farmers would not cover the economic costs of milk production in that year. DARD provides a range of educational courses at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) including modules on dairy farming. Also, advice and information is available from locally based development advisors and technology teams based at CAFRE. This localised support is in addition to that provided under the Common Agricultural Policy of the EU.

Secondary information