Sir, – While the abolition of milk quotas represents a fantastic opportunity for Irish dairy farmers, it is important that perspective is not lost and caution is exercised in the rush of production that takes place in the coming years.

With milk output predicted to increase from five billion to eight and a half billion litres by 2020, there will be a need to increase herd numbers by up to 400,000 animals. This will lead to a huge increase in methane production, which is 20 times more detrimental than carbon dioxide when it comes to causing climate change.

Ireland is already at risk of not meeting its EU targets for greenhouse gas emissions. If these targets are not met, Irish taxpayers will be left with very large fines that would take the shine off the expected increase in rural employment. There is also the risk that in years to come, the pressure to increase production could tempt Irish farmers to forego the grass-fed approach and replace it with the abhorrent factory farming practices that are so popular in the US.

I write all this as the son of a dairy farmer. Farmers deserve the opportunity to develop their business and be rewarded for some of the toughest work being done today in Ireland. But leaders in government and agriculture should also bear in mind that most great opportunities come with grave potential pitfalls. – Yours, etc, JOHN HOGAN Ballyneety, Co Limerick.