ICMSA Welcomes New Powers for Agri-Food Regulator Amid Concerns
The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA), represented by its President Denis Drennan, has cautiously welcomed the government's decision to grant additional powers to the Agri-Food Regulator. These changes aim to provide greater transparency regarding who benefits from the final consumer price in the food supply chain.
Mr. Drennan noted that farmers have long been affected by the lack of transparency in margins and prices beyond the farm gate, with downturns in market prices often impacting them disproportionately. He emphasized that primary producers, including those in the dairy industry, cannot continue to bear the brunt of market fluctuations.
The ICMSA President stressed the importance of the proposed powers in delivering improved transparency along the food supply chain. He cited analysis from Teagasc and other sources showing that farmers have been operating with unsustainable margins for decades.
Despite welcoming the changes, Mr. Drennan expressed concerns about the limitations on how often the Regulator can request product data, with the current provision allowing only one request every 12 months. He highlighted the disparity between the requirements for farmers to provide real-time data and the leniency afforded to larger corporate entities.
The ICMSA is keen to see the regulations implemented promptly, as delays could undermine their effectiveness. Mr. Drennan called for the immediate introduction of these regulations, emphasizing that the Regulator must deliver tangible benefits for farmers and increase public awareness of the real costs involved in food production.
The upcoming address by the Chief Executive of the Food Regulator to the ICMSA’s National Council is anticipated to provide further insights into these regulatory changes.
