Lacpatrick Must Rebuild Farmers’ Confidence After Last Week’s Announcement – IFA

IFA Ulster North Leinster Chairman, Nigel Renaghan; National Dairy Chairman ,Tom Phelan; and Monaghan County Chairman, Frank Brady today led an IFA delegation to meet with LacPatrick to discuss the unexpected announcement made last week by the co-op that they are exploring strategic options which may or may not include merger or partnerships with other organisations.

“On behalf of our members, we have today expressed their legitimate concerns as to what this  move will mean for them.  While we have been assured by LacPatrick today that the business would meet all its obligations to all stakeholders including farmers, it is essential that LacPatrick would reassure their farmer suppliers and members on this account,” Mr Reneghan said.

IFA National Dairy Chairman Tom Phelan added: “Farmers who are shareholders in their co-op depend critically on the health of the business, and its ability to meet its obligations, to collect, process and pay for their milk. In the days ahead, it is essential that LacPatrick would work to rebuild farmers’ confidence on this front. Longer term, the co-op must explore what options are open to consolidate the business long term, without compromising its co-op ethos in the best interest of the farmers.”