Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association (ICMSA)

The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association, commonly referred to as the ICMSA, holds a significant position within the Irish dairy industry. Unlike traditional dairy companies, the ICMSA does not produce or process dairy products. Instead, it functions as a representative body for dairy farmers, concentrating on policy advocacy, member support, and community engagement.

Location and Operations

Headquartered in Limerick, Ireland, the ICMSA extends its operations nationwide. It wields substantial influence on both national and international dairy policy landscapes, advocating on behalf of its members to enhance the sustainability and profitability of the dairy farming sector.

Financial Indicators

As a member-driven association, the ICMSA is primarily funded through membership fees and contributions. Although specific financial figures are not disclosed, the association's economic impact is noteworthy. It plays a crucial role in negotiating fair pricing and reducing operational costs for dairy farmers, thereby contributing to the financial sustainability of Irish dairy farms.

Important Events

The ICMSA is actively involved in addressing key challenges such as market volatility, environmental regulations, and Brexit-related uncertainties. Recently, the association has emphasized the importance of maintaining cash flow for family farms amidst market fluctuations. It has advocated for milk processors to provide end-of-year bonuses to suppliers, demonstrating its commitment to economic fairness in the industry.

Company Plans

Looking ahead, the ICMSA plans to continue its advocacy for improved dairy pricing models and the integration of sustainable practices. It aims to lead initiatives balancing economic and ecological needs, with a focus on environmental sustainability. The association is dedicated to investing in farmer education programs and exploring technological advancements to enhance farm productivity.

Notably, a decrease in milk prices was reported for the first half of 2026, prompting the ICMSA to urge cooperatives to maximize returns to help producers manage rising input costs. Noel Murphy, the dairy chair, emphasized the need for a 'manageable series of lifts in farmer milk price' to address the expected tightening of supply.

The ICMSA is also calling on the government to address highly volatile farm incomes before Budget 2027. Denis Drennan, the president, highlighted that income uncertainty deters younger farm family members from taking over holdings. The association has proposed several versions of a farm-deposit scheme to government departments to provide farmers with greater certainty and improve their planning capabilities.

The ICMSA reported that milk markets were showing signs of recovery despite limited grass supplies on farms during the summer. Positive market data from June onwards supports an August milk-price increase. An Agriland survey, commissioned by the ICMSA, found that one in three Irish farmers intended to leave agriculture within five years, with bureaucracy and environmental restrictions cited as major barriers.

A survey by Opinions, commissioned by Agriland and the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association, found that one in three Irish farmers planned to leave the sector within five years. The survey found that half of those farmers had not identified a successor. It also revealed that 60% of farmers said they were afraid to raise succession with members of their families.