A survey conducted by the State farm body, Teagasc, has shown that nearly 50% of dairy farmers are planning to increase milk production in the next few years.
Almost half of those surveyed said they would like to see EU curbs on milk production abolished.
The findings of this Teagasc survey were revealed this afternoon at a major open-day for dairy farmers at Moorepark, near Fermoy in Co Cork.
Following years of decline in the number of dairy farmers, Teagasc says the future is now bright for the industry.
The state advisory body describes as 'positive' the view that most farmers want dairy quotas abolished and that most of them plan to increase production.
It is now estimated that milk production in Ireland could increase by over 40% in the years ahead.
Only 14% of farmers say they want to get out of milk production in the next five years.
The EU milk quota system has been in place for over 20 years and limited output here to about 1bn gallons annually.
Teagasc say Irish farmers are among the most efficient in Europe and are best placed to take advantage of the abolition of milk quotas.
Speaking in Moorepark, IFA president Padraig Walshe called for an annual 3% increase in milk quotas, starting from next April, as the best way to prepare for quota abolition.
