Catch-up time for co-ops
They also address concerns voiced by ICOS on the future ownership and control of co-operatives.
ICOS Director John Tyrrell last year warned that serious problems were looming for co-ops which do not tackle shareholding issues to do with retiring and expanding farmers. As decoupling ushers in big changes in dairy farmer numbers, measures are needed to give remaining active co-op members due influence and control. In many co-ops, the practice of allowing farmers who cease production to retain their co-op membership rights must be tackled.
