Millstreet meeting leaves unanswered questions
At least one young farmer who attended the meeting, hosted by ICMSA in Millstreet on Tuesday evening, could see the positive side of planning for post-quota expansion.
Castletownroche farmer, Aoife Ladd, said: “I can understand why people have a problem with signing up for a seven-year contract. The older farmers may have their doubts about being stuck in a contract for seven years, but I don’t have any huge issue with the contract.
“Younger farmers who are in the 30+ age bracket may see themselves as being around in farming for much longer than the seven-year contract. I am willing to wait, and see what comes from the one-to-one consultations Dairygold is going to hold with members.”
One concerned farmer — who preferred to remain anonymous — said that Dairygold should consider a proposal from members in Millstreet that the co-op put the MSA on ice for 12 months to iron out aspects that members are unhappy with.
“This is the first time that members have ever been asked to sign a document like this,” said the Co Cork farmer. “This document has made both big and small farmers unhappy. One man said the contract would mean handing over €9,000 a year to the co-op.”
The man said members were being asked to make a huge sacrifice, which would impact upon the next generation of farmers. Any decision would need more time for reflection, he said.
