Dairy sector sets clock for ‘countdown to abolition’
Under the theme of Countdown to Abolition, all of the leading players in Ireland’s dairy sector will be gathered in the Red Cow Moran hotel for a multi-tiered discussion.
“Government and agencies are working with industry and the farm sector to find new markets for Irish dairy products, to develop a research and development culture that adds value to high quality dairy products, that improves farm and production efficiency to maximise margins along the value chain, and to support investment in expanding enterprises,” the organisers stated.
“Growth in exports and output, and job creation, particularly in rural Ireland are the key prizes. Since 1984, the industry has operated within a quota environment. The shackles come off in April 2015, with quota abolition. This presents an exciting mix of opportunity and challenge for all stakeholders; farmers and rural Ireland, processors and manufacturers, agri-business and exporters.”
The conference will also seek to address the concerns being voiced by farmers and the co-ops, all of whom have invested heavily in anticipated post-quota growth.
“The global market fundamentals for the sector remain positive, but price volatility, for both outputs and inputs, will challenge farmers, processors and others along the way.”
Among the speakers addressing the volatility issue will be Rabobank dairy analyst Kevin Bellamy; Hermanus Versteijlen, European Commission; Frans Keurentjes, Friesland Campina; Richie Boucher, Bank of Ireland; Eddie Downey, IFA; John Comer, ICMSA; Sean Molloy, Glanbia; Francis Reid, Fonterra Europe; and Laurence Shalloo, Teagasc.
The conference will also be addressed by: Tom Moran, Department of Agriculture; Donal Dennehy, Danone Ireland; Michael Hanley, Lakeland Dairies; Kevin Lane, Irish Dairy Board; Stan McCarthy, Kerry Group; and Jim Bergin, Glanbia (GIIL).
