Need for 'fairness for farmers' within EU corridors highlighted

"Many of the challenges that are coming with force at us are because of legislation being proposed and driven by the EU institutions."

James O'Donnell, president of ICOS has urged the commission and the parliament "to listen to our concerns and work with us in supporting the vital role which our farmers, food producers, and co-ops play across Europe".

The Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) has highlighted the importance of "fairness for farmers" within corridors of the EU.

As Ireland reaches 50 years of EU membership this year, ICOS has marked the opening of its Brussels office five decades ago in 1973.