ICOS programme key to succession in marts

Graduates of the intensive new Mart Management Development Programme will help underpin succession in Ireland’s co-operative marts, say programme hosts Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS).

Participants in the inaugural immersive five-day course included managers and next-in-line staff from nine co-operative mart groups, including Aurivo, Athenry, Central Auctions, Clare, Cork Marts, Mid-Tipp, Roscommon, Waterford Ross, and Wexford Farmers Co-op.

The course is being delivered by TU Dublin at its Tallaght campus, and in Portlaoise in conjunction with ICOS Skillnet.

James O’Donnell, ICOS vice-president, said:

“We are already fortunate to have a very dedicated and professional cohort of executives in our co-operative marts. These are farmer owned and controlled businesses.Co-op marts are increasingly sophisticated operations requiring understanding of business management practices, organisational management, technology and regulatory compliance across a wide range of parameters.”

Mr O’Donnell said Food Wise 2025 projects a target of 85% exports growth to €19bn by 2025, and an increase of 23,000 jobs. Professionally-managed marts will be critical to those growth targets.

This programme aims to facilitate succession in mart management, ensuring vital skills are shared and maintained.