The Association of Fresh Milk Producers is claiming strong support for a proposal to convert agri-giant Glanbia into a farmer-owned co-op.

The Fresh Milk Producers group which wants to convert Glanbia plc into a co-op said yesterday it was heartened with the response from farmers at the first of a series of meetings on the issue.

Milk suppliers for Dublin and surrounding counties are under threat from farmers who have mounted a protest at the Glanbia Plant in Dublin.