Farmers in the west and northwest supplying Aurivo Co-op have voiced concerns about the future of their co-op given that talks are underway for a merger with Northern Ireland’s Dale Farm.

A petition, which will be sent to the board of the co-op, has been launched by a group of concerned suppliers. A letter to the board states that the group is “not opposed in principle to growth, efficiency, or continued rationalisation within the dairy sector” and recognises the commercial pressures facing co-ops.

“However, given the scale and permanence of the proposed transaction, we believe shareholders require additional clarity and protection before being asked to consider approval,” they say.

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The group is concerned about a transfer of control of the co-op under the proposed deal, specifically that the new entity will be headquartered in Belfast, outside of the State.

“This would involve moving control of assets valued in the millions of euro into a different jurisdiction, with material implications for long-term governance, regulatory oversight, and supplier alignment,” the group claimed.

Other concerns cited by the group include future milk pricing structures, liquid milk prices and the co-op’s 8% shareholding in Ornua.

The suppliers have called on the Aurivo board to stop any further progression to a binding agreement until its concerns are addressed.

“If the current path continues without such a stop, we intend to convene open meetings of shareholders and suppliers in April to discuss these issues further. We believe this approach is consistent with the board’s fiduciary duties and the long-term interests of Aurivo and its supplier base,” they state in a letter to the board.

Merger talks between both co-ops are ongoing, with information meetings to take place this month for Aurivo and Dale Farm shareholders. Aurivo meetings will take place in Donegal, Sligo, Roscommon and Mayo next week.

These meetings are to explain what is planned in the deal and for shareholders to give feedback on the proposed merger.

In order for any deal to progress, the membership of both entities will have to vote 75% in favour of the deal. The merger will also need approval from regulatory authorities in Ireland and the UK.