Lessons should be learned from small Cork co-ops

THE success of small dairy co-ops such as those in north and west Cork should be examined closely before the dairy industry takes any decision to create larger processing groups, the Dáil was told.

Cork North West Fianna Fáil TD, Michael Moynihan, speaking during a debate on the proposed merger of Bord Bia and Bord Glas, said dairy and other co-ops became the primary producers of food in Ireland, but plcs are now taking over.

"In parts of the country where some of the smaller co-ops have flourished and kept their independence, they still provide and maintain healthy balance sheets.