Suppliers demand strong milk price

DAIRYGOLD management and board members have been told that the mandate given to them for their proposed business strategy at a shareholders meeting last week is contingent on the delivery by the co-op of a strong, viable milk price for the coming years.

Irish Farmers Association Dairy Committee chairman Richard Kennedy said Dairygold Co-op farmers would want to see their position as suppliers and shareholders strengthened as a result of this decision.

“All operators within the Irish dairy industry, from the Irish Dairy Board to milk processing co-ops, have a responsibility to their supplier shareholders.

“That is to prioritise the payment of a viable milk price at a minimum 26c/l + VAT for 2006, and do what it takes by way of cost cutting and co-operation to deliver it to farmers.”