The name over the dairy processor’s door should matter less than the long-term business interests of farmers. That was one of the main discussion points at the first of five IFA regional dairy seminars on the theme of A Framework for Dairy Growth.

IFA National Dairy Committee chair Sean O’Leary said farmers asked about co-ops’ intentions on milk prices, about increased efficiencies within the processing industry, including consolidation and mergers.

“In Cork, the point was made that within the co-op model, community, while remaining very important, should not come at the cost of commerce, and the name over the door should matter less than the long-term business interest of farmers.

“Farmers also challenged the bank representatives on their willingness to lend, in light of the relatively low indebtedness of Irish farms, and on the need for routine availability of flexible repayment terms and conditions without costly renegotiations,” he added

O’Leary said that strong discussions arose the lack of availability of one-to-one advice from Teagasc, especially due to the fact that dairy adviser numbers have halved to 200 in the last seven years.

“Farmers stressed that, in the context of the growth planned for the dairy sector, it was crucial that Teagasc, as an independent, quality research, education and advisory service, be properly resourced to provide farmers with the services they will need to deliver on Food Harvest 2020 targets,” he said.