Latest news with #IrishCo-operativeOrganisationSociety
Agriland
7 days ago
- Business
- Agriland
ICOS AGM: ‘Promising' developments amid uncertainty in farming
Despite high levels of uncertainty facing farming, there are 'promising political and market developments' that could support the sector in the year ahead. That's according to Edward Carr, the president of the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS), who told the organisation's annual general meeting (AGM) yesterday (Tuesday, June 3): 'Perhaps society is finally recognising that quality food is both difficult and expensive to produce, and it must be paid for accordingly.' The AGM was held in Portlaoise, Co. Laois, in which Carr told stakeholders: 'We live in interesting times'. 'While the term 'unprecedented' is often overused, it rightly describes the challenges currently confronting co-ops and food producers.' Carr welcomed what he said were recent shifts at an EU level, saying that the 2024 European Parliament elections prompted centrist groups to 'rethink recent policies that alienated farmers'. 'The previous [European] Commission's overly purist Green Deal and dismissive attitude towards agriculture played a significant role in driving voters toward the political extremes. 'Now, we see a more balanced approach, with new agriculture and environment commissioners, Christoph Hansen and Jessika Roswall [respectively] showing early signs of being more responsive and pragmatic,' Carr said. However, he added that legal environmental commitments for farming remain in place and 'must be met'. Commenting on market conditions, he said that the prices of milk and meat are at 'unprecedented levels', supported by currently weak global supply. However, these prices are 'countered' by cost bases within the agri-sector that are constantly rising, according to Carr. 'This trend confirms what we've been saying for years. Farming has been pushed into a position where it is unattractive to younger generations. The costs are high, inflation is locked-in, the hours are long and the rewards are limited.' He also warned that global geopolitical risks, including continuing conflict, the trade impact of the current US administration under Donald Trump, and the rise of 'authoritarian voices' in Europe, could threaten stability. 'The European project, and in particular the Single Market, remains vital for Ireland's economic future. We need strong leadership to ensure that Europe continues to work for its citizens, farmers included, not just for ideological visions,' Carr commented. He also told the ICOS AGM that environmental responsibility is important, particularly in relation to the nitrates derogation. 'We've made huge strides in improving water quality, though the time lag between action and results remains frustrating. Still, the perseverance of co-ops, farmers, Teagasc, and the Department of Agriculture is beginning to bear fruit. 'Retaining the derogation is essential, not just for dairying but for the entire agri-sector,' he said. One of key issues for the year ahead, according to Carr, is the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), amid concerns that its standalone ringfenced budget could be radically overhauled. 'Agriculture and the CAP are under pressure, with serious risk that funds could be diverted to other priorities. This would be deeply damaging, not just to the basic payments scheme [Pillar I], but also to Pillar II, which is critical to delivering sustainability goals. In fact, we don't need two pillars, we need a third,' he said. 'CAP is the foundation of a sustainable and competitive farming and agri-food sector in Ireland and Europe. It plays a vital role in maintaining farm incomes, supporting rural communities and driving progress on climate and environmental goals across the EU. 'What we need is a strong, practical and fully resourced CAP; one that cuts red tape and empowers farmers to focus on producing food, not paperwork. Farming in Ireland and across the EU is struggling to attract young farmers,' Carr added. He called on the European Commission not to risk 'accelerating the generational renewal crisis'. 'Rather than potentially seeking mechanism to undermine and defund CAP, the European Commission must stand by its farming citizens, underpin food security and protect this essential policy,' he said. The ICOS president called on policymakers to 'stand firm in defence of farming', adding: 'Our sector is ready to do its part, but we need the tools and resources to do it'.
Irish Independent
20-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Farm organisations protest in Dublin over possible CAP changes
'Flash action' planned in opposition to mooted proposal to move CAP budget to a once-off funding model Farming organisations are to stage a 'flash action' at the EU Commission offices in Dublin today, warning against plans to strip away the CAP budget in favour of once-off funding to be divvied out by member countries. The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) and Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) protest outside EU Commission offices in Dublin at 9.30am will coincide with a flash action organised by Copa Cogeca, the largest representative union of more than 22 million European farmers in Brussels.
Agriland
16-05-2025
- Health
- Agriland
ICOS: Trends in dairy herd replacements a ‘serious wake-up call'
The Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) has described the data on dairy herd replacements as a serious 'wake-up call'. The Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) data was presented to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) Calf Welfare Shareholder meeting held this week. The number of dairy female calf registrations is down by 12.5% in 2025, when compared to 2024 figures. In addition, the number of first calved heifers has declined by by 9.5% year-on-year. This combination of a sharp decline in both dairy female calves and first-calved heifers suggests that the market for dairy heifers is likely to be very strong over the next few years. Dairy herd replacements In a press release, the ICOS said: 'In the very near future, the number of dairy replacements will not be enough to sustain the dairy herd at present levels.' With the breeding season in full flow, ICOS is encouraging all farmers to 'seek appropriate advice and to consider using the optimal level of dairy artificial insemination (AI) this year to ensure they are breeding sufficient replacements for their herds'. The society is also encouraging farmers to be mindful of the rising incidence levels of bovine tuberculosis (TB) by selecting for TB resistance as part of their breeding policy. ICOS believes the data presented by the ICBF needs to act as a 'serious wake-up call' to the government. 'There is an urgent need to bring certainty to the sector by retaining the Nitrates Derogation and to bring forward immediate policies to address the challenge of generational renewal in the sector,' the society said. ICOS also believe that these stark figures are an added warning to the drop in cow numbers in the coming years, so all steps need to be taken to reduce incidence rates of bovine TB. ICOS ICOS represents co-operatives across Ireland, including dairy processing co-operatives and livestock marts. These organisations collectively generate approximately €16 billion in turnover, with 175,000 members and employment for 12,000 individuals in Ireland, plus an additional 24,000 overseas. In total, Ireland has around 1,000 co-ops, with the largest 100 employing roughly 40,000 people.
Agriland
10-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Heydon engages with ICOS on future of Irish dairy sector
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon has met with the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) to discuss the future of the Irish dairy sector. Minister Heydon met with ICOS in NAAS on Friday (May 9) where a broad range of critical issues impacting the Irish co-operative dairy industry were discussed. The meeting also brought together the wider group of chairs of all ICOS dairy co-operative members, demonstrating a united front on the sector's shared priorities. ICOS dairy committee chairperson, Niall Matthews and ICOS president, Edward Carr expressed appreciation for the ministers engagement with co-operatives across Ireland. Matthews said: 'We are grateful to Minister Heydon for taking the time to meet with us and for his willingness to listen and engage on the key issues affecting our members. 'Since the end of milk quotas, the Irish dairy sector has played a vital role in our national and rural economy, underpinned by our co-operative model, grass-based production and family-farm structure.' 'These core strengths must guide us as we face today's environmental, economic and generational challenges,' he added. ICOS Matthews highlighted the dairy sector's commitment to 'environmental stewardship', citing increased co-op funding of the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP), and the roll-out of the 'Farming for Water' European Innovation Partnership (EIP). He also welcomed the government's commitment to retaining Ireland's nitrates derogation, which he said allows for more intensive grass-based dairy production under strict conditions. 'Collectively, we must continue the most assertive levels of representation to convey to the EU Commission all that is being achieved by farming communities in relation to the sustainability and environmental priorities,' Matthews said. The meeting also focused on the pressing need for generational renewal within the farming community. Matthews believes that farming is a deeply rewarding career, but the increasing average age of farmers highlights the need for 'urgent action'. He said: 'We must support younger farmers through incentives and tax reforms, while also providing dignified pathways for older farmers including a retirement scheme.'
Irish Independent
07-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Minister delays prescription-only deadline for antiparasitics until September
Minister of State Martin Heydon said today the move, which is the latest in series of deferrals to the new rules, is intended to give prescribers, merchants, and farmers more time to adapt to the significant changes involved, particularly the use of the new National Veterinary Prescription System (NVPS). From the new implementation date, antiparasitic products such as wormers and fluke doses will only be available with a veterinary prescription — marking a shift away from long-standing supply routes through licensed agri-merchants. Digital prescribing via the NVPS became operational in January this year. While Minister Heydon acknowledged there has been 'significant engagement' since then, he said more time is needed to ensure a smooth transition and protect supply chains. 'I am conscious that this is a marked change to the regulation of antiparasitics,' he said. 'It is, however, necessary to address the increasing challenge of antiparasitic resistance, and evidence-based prescribing will support farm productivity and food security into the future.' The extension comes against a backdrop of growing concern among the merchant sector over the viability of the new system. Last week, Merchants Alliance Ireland — representing over 550 outlets nationwide — warned that the proposed reclassification could force many rural businesses to close unless urgent changes were made. The group includes the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS), the Irish Licensed Merchants Association (ILMA), and Acorn Independent Merchants. In a strongly worded statement, the Alliance said the changes risk creating a near-monopoly for veterinary practices while leaving farmers with reduced access and higher costs. It also criticised the lack of updated prescribing guidelines from the Veterinary Council of Ireland and low engagement with NVPS by the veterinary community. Despite repeated requests, the Alliance said it had not secured a meeting with the Minister to discuss alternatives to the current plan.
