Latest news with #DairyIndustryIreland
Agriland
20-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
DII urges ‘rapid implementation' of EU/UK deal
Dairy Industry Ireland (DII) has welcomed the agreement on the alignment of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) rules between the European Union and the UK. The first major post-Brexit deal between the EU and the UK was unveiled yesterday (Monday, May 19) in London. The deal is set to make food and drink imports and exports 'easier' due to a new agreement on plant and animal products. The post-Brexit deal has been described as a 'new chapter' for the UK/EU relationship and will kick start talks on a range of wider issues including security, defence and fishing access. DII Conor Mulvihill, director of Dairy Industry Ireland (DII) has called for rapid implementation of the new agreement. 'This is a significant step forward in bolstering the dairy trade both between Ireland and the UK and the island of Ireland itself, ensuring the continued prosperity of our key dairy and specialised nutrition industry. 'By removing the Brexit imposed non-tariff barriers and streamlining import requirements, the alignment will facilitate smoother and more efficient trade flows. 'This is particularly crucial for high-volume, short-distance trade with the UK, which has faced considerable disruptions since Brexit,' he said. 'The potential reduction of border checks and veterinary health certificates will reduce costs and delays, allowing our businesses to focus on delivering high-quality dairy and nutrition products without the burden of unnecessary red tape. 'The removal of trade barriers will support the reintegration of supply chains, fostering a more stable and predictable market environment. 'This will help protect the All-Ireland dairy economy, ensuring that farmers can continue to thrive and contribute to the sustainability of our rural communities,' Mulvihill added. Dairy Despite post Brexit diversification, the British market still buys almost €2 billion of Irish dairy and specialised nutrition. The market particularly strong in categories like cheddar and butter. 'In today's uncertain geopolitical landscape, maintaining strong and reliable trade partnerships with our closest neighbour is more important than ever. 'The SPS alignment agreement demonstrates a renewed commitment to cooperation and mutual benefit, reinforcing the importance of food security and economic stability for both the EU and UK. 'Dairy Industry Ireland urges both parties to swiftly implement the agreement and initiate formal discussions to ensure its success,' Mulvihill said.
Irish Independent
06-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Agri-food body set up to help sector communicate ‘more effectively'
With a core aim to 'educate and inform public using evidence-based facts, share compelling stories, and foster deeper engagement,' the body is currently recruiting an executive director. 'The overarching goal is to maintain Irish agriculture's licence to operate by building greater public understanding, trust, and support for the sector,' Bord Bia said when asked a series of questions from the Farming Independent about the new body. It said food, and the people who produce it, play an irreplaceable role in our health, wellbeing, identity and culture. 'Yet knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Irish farming and food production is in decline. To address this, Ireland's agri-food industry has come together to help reconnect Irish society with Irish agriculture. We want to dispel misinformation and misunderstanding; and be clear, honest and open, owning our challenges, and the actions we are taking to address them 'We want to dispel misinformation and misunderstanding; and be clear, honest and open, owning our challenges, and the actions we are taking to address them.' However, Bord Bia did not respond to queries of what the body's budget would be, or what the executive director will be paid. It said: 'A business entity has been formed, though the long-term financial structure is still being finalised.' The target audience for the initiative is outside of the agriculture community. Bord Bia said a small team, with strong project management, public relations and communications expertise, will manage the initiative, leveraging appropriate agencies and service providers to deliver an annual programme of work. Activity will span three pillars: communications, advocacy development and education. Current industry partners in the initiative include the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA), the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA), the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS), the National Dairy Council (NDC), Meat Industry Ireland members, Dairy Industry Ireland members, Bord Bia, and Agri Aware. The body's interim board members are: Tom Moran, Chair; Damian McDonald, IFA; John Enright, ICMSA; Emma Walls, National Dairy Council; Karina Pierce, UCD; Pat Sheehan, Dairy Industry Ireland & North Cork Creameries; Niall Browne, Dawn Meats; Kevin Cahill, ABP and Jim O'Toole, Bord Bia. There are ongoing discussions to include horticulture, cereals, and secondary processors also, and wider sector engagement will be explored. The interim board is tasked with setting strategic objectives, shaping the work programme, and establishing key performance indicators and will be replaced by a formal board in 2026. Its former iteration, Meat and Dairy Facts, was set up in 2019, last posting news on its website in February 2022.
Agriland
23-04-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Milk volumes ‘may lead to some changes' in collection schedules
Dairy Industry Ireland (DII) has said that the Irish dairy sector is approaching 'early and high' peak milk volumes for the 2025 peak milk supply season, which 'may lead to some changes in milk collection schedules'. Conor Mulvihill, the director of DII – which is the Ibec body representing dairy processors – said: 'Thanks to strong prices and fantastic spring weather conditions, we anticipate peak month volumes in 2025 may approach the records set in May 2022.' Mulvihill said May 2022 was 'an extraordinary month' in which the industry processed almost 1.2 billion litres. He explained that peak supply is expected to occur in late April or early May, depending on weather patterns and grass growth. 'As we navigate this busy period, we kindly ask our milk suppliers and the public to be patient with hauliers and businesses as they manage the significant logistical challenges that come with peak milk supply,' Mulvihill said. He added: 'We extend our sincere gratitude to hauliers and supply chain personnel for their tremendous contributions during this exceptionally busy time. Their dedication and hard work are essential to ensuring that all milk is processed efficiently and safely.' The DII director highlighted that farmers and others should continue to prioritise safety when milking, and during other activities. 'Safety remains our top priority. We remind farmers and everyone involved in milk transport to keep safety at the forefront of their operations,' Mulvihill said. 'During peak season, surplus capacity is limited, and processors work collaboratively to resolve any issues by temporarily diverting milk to alternative locations,' he added. However, this collaborative work, the DII director said, may lead to changes in schedules. 'This collaboration may lead to some changes in milk collection schedules. The high volume of milk to be collected also means longer durations on each farm. 'Additionally, with the country effectively at full employment for truck drivers, milk transport companies face ongoing challenges in securing a sufficient pool of skilled drivers,' he added. 'Dairy Industry Ireland members and their staff are committed to working together with all stakeholders to ensure that peak milk supply is managed efficiently, safely, and in a way that adds value for everyone involved,' Mulvihill said.
