Dairy Industry Ireland: A Pillar in the Irish Dairy Sector

Location: Ireland

Dairy Industry Ireland (DII) plays a crucial role in advocating for the Irish dairy processing sector both domestically and internationally. Under the leadership of Conor Mulvihill, the organization engages in significant policy discussions, influencing key decisions that impact the industry.

Important Events

DII has been actively involved in discussions surrounding trade agreements between the European Union and other global powers such as the United States and India. Conor Mulvihill has expressed concerns about potential disruptions to the dairy industry that could arise from the EU-US trade agreements and voiced dissatisfaction with the outcomes of the EU-India Free Trade Agreement. The organization has also been critical of the EU-wide Voluntary Milk Reduction scheme, advocating instead for robust risk management strategies to address the issue of collapsing milk prices.

Company Plans

Looking to the future, Dairy Industry Ireland is committed to reinforcing the position of the Irish dairy sector on the global stage. It is rebranding itself as a leader in the global nutrition sector, leveraging the competitive advantage of Ireland's grass-fed dairy products, particularly in whey production. This strategic direction underscores the high-quality standards of products sourced from grass-fed cows in Ireland.

To further this mission, the organization has launched the 'Pathway to Sustainable Dairy' initiative, which aims to enhance environmental, social, and economic metrics within the sector. DII is also a participant in the European Excellence in Dairy Learning (EEDL) project, which addresses evolving nutrition habits as an opportunity for growth.

Dairy Industry Ireland has welcomed the Budget 2027 measures, which encompass provisions for water quality, biodiversity, research and development, taxation, and the economic aspects of dairy manufacturing. Noteworthy allocations include €21.6 million for European Innovation Partnerships and the Farming for Water initiative, engaging nearly 6,000 farmers.

The organization is also involved in industry recognition activities, such as presenting awards at the FBD National Dairy Awards, where Conor Mulvihill presented Wild Churn Gelato with its award.