Co-ops urged to step up efforts to streamline their business

DAIRY co-ops in Ireland were urged by their national umbrella body yesterday to step up efforts to streamline the industry.

Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) president Pat McLoughlin said the ending of the EU milk quota system in 2015 will provide an opportunity for the Irish industry, if it prepares in time.

The dramatic fall in dairy markets in 2008 has reduced returns from markets and has very serious consequences for producers and processors.