Centralised milk testing laboratory postponed after cost benefit review

THE proposed creation of a centralised milk testing laboratory will not go ahead as sufficient economies of scale have not been identified in the interests of participating co-operatives and their milk producers.

The Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS), yesterday said it had brought forward detailed proposals as part of initiatives encouraging co-ops and processors to collaborate in long-term deals and industry-wide restructuring.

“Milk testing operations would have been pooled to one central laboratory, which would have tested milk for payment, herd recording and herd health and management parameters. While a significant number of dairy processing co-operatives did pledge their support, the combined volume of testing involved was not deemed to be sufficient.