From the Farmers Journal (Jan 5th): A significant number of Dairygold suppliers have reportedly sent in notice to Dairygold co-op of their intention to leave Dairygold once the obligatory three months notice has elapsed.
We have unconfirmed reports that between 30 to 60 farmers (58 to be exact) have sent in notice to leave the co-op in protest over the Dairygold contracts that were sent to suppliers. Dairygold suppliers have until 31 March to sign up and return milk contracts.
It is believed the main body of farmers involved in this action are from the Millstreet/North Cork area and reportedly are leaving Dairygold co-op to supply the smaller North Cork co-ops. Pre-Christmas we reported on a stormy Millstreet meeting and over the last number of days some smaller meetings have taken place, resulting in some farmers deciding they don’t want to sign a contract under the current terms and conditions.
A spokesman for Dairygold confirmed that the society had received some notices of intent to transfer, adding that he saw no long-term credible benefit whatsoever for anyone to consider the transfer of milk away from Dairygold to any other processor.
The spokesman added that management and the board of Dairygold had listened carefully to all observations and feedback arising in regard to the introduction of contracts and, in the near term, issues raised will be reviewed and considered by the Board of the Society.
Dairygold will hold ‘one to one’ supplier meetings from next week to the end of March, to assist suppliers understand the Milk Supply Agreement and help with milk supply forecasting in light of a supplier’s individual milk supply circumstances.
