The Ulster Farmers' Union is keeping up the pressure in the dairy sector in an effort to boost returns.
The UFU has met with European Agriculture Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel and the Irish Farmers' Association to assess how support can be achieved for dairy farmers in Northern Ireland.
The UFU also continues to highlight the plight faced by dai
ry farmers in meetings with local processors.
The UFU took the opportunity at the Balmoral Show to discuss the dairy issue with Mariann Fischer Boel.
UFU President Graham Furey, Dairy Policy Chairman William Cromie and Policy Director Wesley Aston spoke directly to the Commissioner about the losses which local dairy farmers are facing.
They emphasised to the Commissioner the need for the EU to use market management tools to bring the market back into balance and remove the volatility from prices. William Cromie sought a personal assurance from the Commissioner that she would look closely at the position facing local milk producers.
The UFU also discussed the short term and longer term prospects for the dairy sector on the island with the Irish Farmers' Association.
William Cromie said: "Dairy farming on the island of Ireland is going through a very tough period and both the UFU and IFA are committed to lobbying for better prices for our members.
"We will be working together in Europe to press the Commission for a more vigorous response to the market situation and we will be looking closely at the structure of the industry on the island because it is clear that we need an ultra-efficient milk supply chain in the future, supplying the best possible markets for our product".
The UFU also spoke to the Commissioner about local farmers views on the current review of the Less Favoured Area scheme; the need for future sheep identification rules to be practical and workable; and the Commissioners plans to investigate the distribution of profits in the food supply chain.
