ICOS to promote role of €12bn co-operative sector in recovery

THE Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) plans to encourage the creation of new co-operatives among a range of initiatives over the coming year.

While huge optimism is evident in the dairy sector ahead of the ending of the EU milk quota regime in 2015, ICOS is also anticipating growth in other key areas of agriculture.

As a result, it is strengthening its services in areas such as multi- purpose dairy co-ops; livestock-related co-ops; service-related co-ops; community, culture and leisure co-ops; food and fishing co-ops; store and trade co-ops and advisory and education co-ops.