Ireland’s dairy sector has long been a key pillar of the country’s agricultural economy combining both deep-rooted tradition and ‘state-of-the-art’ innovation. And yet, today, Irish dairy farmers are facing unprecedented challenges: increasing production costs, tightening environmental regulations, and volatile milk prices are putting significant pressure on their livelihoods. Recent extreme weather conditions have only intensified the situation, demonstrating just how vulnerable farmers are to factors beyond their control.

These difficulties in Ireland are not isolated. Across Europe, dairy farmers are grappling with similar issues. Whether in France, Germany, Lithuania or Spain – farmers are facing rising production costs, fluctuating farm-gate prices, and a policy environment that often demands more while offering little in terms of fair market structures. In many regions, it is becoming increasingly clear that the survival of family farms – the backbone of our European agricultural model – is under severe threat.

It is precisely because these challenges are shared that solidarity and coordinated action at the European level are essential. As the European Milk Board, we must continue to emphasise that only a comprehensive approach to sustainability – one that encompasses economic, social and environmental pillars – can secure the future of dairy farming in Europe.

Fair prices that cover production costs and proper market regulation that actively deals with destructive volatility and corporate margin-grabbing are prerequisites for some degree of stability and an easing of the pressures on what’s left of the EU’s indigenous family farm structure. But above all, we desperately require political recognition of the strategic importance of family farms that must be placed at the centre of European agricultural policy. Recent examples, such as the successful implementation of voluntary production reduction schemes and national legislation prohibiting the purchase of foodstuffs below production cost, show that positive change is possible when the right instruments are employed.

As we look ahead, the EMB will continue to advocate for measures that strengthen the economic foundation of dairy farming and enable farmers to meet societal and environmental expectations without compromising their livelihoods. Whether in Ireland, Denmark, Portugal or Poland, our demands remain the same: a fair income, market transparency, and a viable future for the next generations of dairy farmers.

Together, we are stronger.

Denis Drennan, member of the EMB Executive Committee