Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS)

Location

ICOS operates across Ireland, representing the interests of cooperatives nationwide. Its influence extends beyond Ireland, affecting dairy industry practices globally.

Financial Indicators

Although specific financial figures for ICOS are not provided, the organization substantially impacts the Irish economy by directly employing 12,000 individuals in Ireland and an additional 24,000 overseas.

Important Events

Recently, ICOS has brought attention to a critical issue in the dairy industry: a significant decrease in dairy herd replacements. This situation has been described as a "serious wake-up call," prompting ICOS to issue warnings and recommendations to farmers. Emphasis has been placed on optimal dairy artificial insemination practices and developing breeding policies to enhance resistance to bovine tuberculosis.

Company Plans

ICOS plans to continue its advocacy and support for dairy farmers, focusing on implementing effective breeding strategies. By promoting policies that enhance disease resistance and herd sustainability, ICOS aims to ensure the long-term viability of Ireland's dairy sector. Additionally, ICOS is actively involved in discussions regarding EU compliance requirements, particularly concerning nitrates derogation. The organization is also working to clarify VAT refund eligibility for dairy equipment, which could impact investment decisions in Ireland.

These efforts are reported by Eamonn McEnteggart, the chair of the ICOS dairy committee, highlighting ICOS's commitment to sustainable dairy farming and environmental practices.

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