IFA claims dairy industry is to benefit from co-operatives deal

FARMER-OWNED co-operatives in the north-west have been strengthened by the deal signed by Connacht Gold and Donegal Creameries, according to IFA president John Bryan.

He said the deal was a positive step for the Irish dairy industry because it would help rationalise milk collection, processing and marketing in the region.

Mr Bryan said it was critical that Donegal milk producers, who had been dealing with a plc they had no ownership of, would be integrated into the co-op structure which they would now supply.

Mr Bryan said: “I sincerely hope that it will also bring about a firmer approach in the dairy industry’s dealings with retailers, and a stronger resolve in capturing a higher share of the retail price in order to remunerate the full costs incurred by milk suppliers.”