article_snippet.sent: The quota system was abolished today after 30 years - allowing dairy farmers to produce as much milk as dairy farmers like without suffering a financial penalty.
article_snippet.sent: Milk quotas were introduced in 1984 to address the oversupply during the late 1970s and early 1980s that had led to the infamous milk lakes and butter mountains.
article_snippet.sent: Farmers who produced above their quota were hit with punishing cash penalties.
article_snippet.sent: The European Dairy Association, which represents milk processors, has backed the end of quotas.
article_snippet.sent: The European Dairy Association Secretary General, Alexander Anton, said: ‘It goes without saying that the end of the quota will lower the administrative burden on all levels.
article_snippet.sent: A study by the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) estimated the ending of quotas would create 9,500 extra jobs in Ireland, and at least 1.3 billion euros (£950m) in extra exports.
article_snippet.sent: While productions restrictions have been scrapped, the Irish Farmers Association will provide a safety net for dairy farmers.
highlights_snippet.sent: Quota system abolished so farmers can produce as much milk as farmers like .
  