Diploma helps develop co-op skills

THERE is an increasing demand on the leadership skills and knowledge of directors and executives of the country’s dairy co-operatives, according to the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society.

ICOS president Padraig Gibbons said this is due to the competitive business environment combined with rapid changes in the EU and global marketplace for dairy produce arising from CAP reform and the proposed WTO changes.

He was speaking at the launch by Mike Feeney, executive director with responsibility for food in Enterprise Ireland, of the fourth ICOS-UCC diploma in corporate direction.

Mr Gibbons said that ICOS has over the last 10 years continued to expand the range of specialist development programmes it delivers.

This had been facilitated by the decision of Enterprise Ireland in November 2000 to assist funding the diploma programme.

Mr Gibbons said the key objective is to expose farmer directors and executives of Irish dairy co-operatives to a development programme.

He said this three-way partnership between ICOS, UCC and Enterprise Ireland provides farmer directors and executives the opportunity to develop their strategic vision of the dairy sector.

It also helps widen their knowledge and skills as food businesses directors. He said to date, 55 farmer directors have completed the diploma programme.