Farmers challenge co-op chiefs
Down for approval are motions on topics including Dairygold's failure to honour commitments given on milk price, store closures, rule changes and a vote of no confidence in the board.
Dairygold cited the submission of a number of motions as their reason for adjourning the original AGM on June 5. They claimed that the venue would be unsuitable for the large attendance expected as a result of interest generated by such motions. Yet they refused to circulate shareholders with a copy of these motions when urged to do so.
Having again appealed that the motions be circulated on the grounds of common courtesy, if nothing else, we were met with a flat refusal at the June 5 meeting.
Circulation of motions with notice of AGM would have been appropriate and acceptable to all concerned.
If this is what the powers-that-be in Dairygold think of their suppliers and shareholders and how they choose to treat us then we should send them a very clear message on July 1.
It should be noted that publishing an agenda for the AGM without even a mention that motions are to be dealt with let alone a copy of their content is simply unacceptable.
As farmers, we can best achieve this aim by supporting the motion of no confidence in the board.
For far too long the ordinary farmers who are the backbone and owners of the society have remained silent and patient while Dairygold has performed poorly.
Ironically, everybody else associated with Dairygold seems to have done alright.
Farmers/shareholders who have an interest in securing their futures will have a rare opportunity to do so in Mallow on Tuesday next by supporting the motion of no confidence.
By doing so we will be delivering a wake-up call to Dairygold, telling them that for too long we have accepted the crumbs from the table, that selling the family silver (shares in IAWS, piggeries, farms, etc) is unsustainable in the long term as means of balancing the books.
As farmers we made a big sacrifice in Millstreet when urged to accept a reduction in price. It didn't get us very far. Let's not repeat the dose by defeating this motion and consequently opting for more of the same treatment.
Farmers often make the point that their ability to influence decisions dictating their future has been eroded at European level, with decoupling, modulation and euro exchange rates all contributing. We should, however, still retain and exert the right to influence our own co-operative's decision-making policies.
Dairygold's AGM on July 1 at Mallow Racecourse provides an ideal opportunity to do just that. A large turnout is in the best interests of all.
Mary Twomey-Casey, Johnstown, Glanworth;Denis Joyce, Acres, Fermoy; John Reynolds, Ballinamongree, Glanworth; Liam O'Flynn, Ballinamona, Glanworth; Arthur O'Keeffe, Corbally, Glanworth; John Shinnick, Johnstown, Ballyhooly;Cal O'Keeffe, Glanworth Road Ballyhooly; John Joe Casey, Curraghagalla, Kilworth; John Bermingham, Airhill, Glanworth,
Co Cork.
