Dairygold Advocates for Nitrates Derogation Continuation in Meeting with Taoiseach Simon Harris
Source: The DairyNews
Dairygold's top executives, Chairman Seán O’Brien and Interim CEO Michael Harte, recently hosted Taoiseach Simon Harris at their headquarters in Mitchelstown, emphasizing the critical need to maintain Ireland's nitrates derogation.
During the visit on May 10th, O’Brien expressed optimism about the Taoiseach's support for Irish dairy farmers, stressing the importance of the EU nitrates derogation which is pivotal for the industry's future beyond 2025.
Ireland's grass-based dairy production, unique in its approach, positions the nation favorably on the global stage, offering a more sustainable alternative to conventional methods. Dairygold has made significant investments, roughly €600 million, in enhancing their processing facilities, in addition to considerable investments by their milk suppliers in farm upgrades. The potential removal of the derogation poses a threat to the economic stability of milk processors and farmers, jeopardizing both business viability and the local rural economy.
Dairygold is proactive in environmental stewardship, having established a dedicated water quality advisory team which conducted over 700 farm visits in 2023 alone, part of a broader €10 million sustainability initiative aimed at supporting farmers towards more sustainable practices. Maintaining the derogation would provide essential time for these initiatives to show tangible improvements in water quality across the region.
Adding to the discussion, Interim CEO Michael Harte highlighted the collaborative efforts with the government to ensure the sustainability of dairy production. Approximately 2,600 family farms in the area, with 60% utilizing the derogation, depend on dairy farming for their livelihood. Harte thanked the Taoiseach for his support and reiterated the commitment to work alongside the government and other agencies to fortify the future of sustainable dairy farming in Ireland.
Ireland's grass-based dairy production, unique in its approach, positions the nation favorably on the global stage, offering a more sustainable alternative to conventional methods. Dairygold has made significant investments, roughly €600 million, in enhancing their processing facilities, in addition to considerable investments by their milk suppliers in farm upgrades. The potential removal of the derogation poses a threat to the economic stability of milk processors and farmers, jeopardizing both business viability and the local rural economy.
Dairygold is proactive in environmental stewardship, having established a dedicated water quality advisory team which conducted over 700 farm visits in 2023 alone, part of a broader €10 million sustainability initiative aimed at supporting farmers towards more sustainable practices. Maintaining the derogation would provide essential time for these initiatives to show tangible improvements in water quality across the region.
Adding to the discussion, Interim CEO Michael Harte highlighted the collaborative efforts with the government to ensure the sustainability of dairy production. Approximately 2,600 family farms in the area, with 60% utilizing the derogation, depend on dairy farming for their livelihood. Harte thanked the Taoiseach for his support and reiterated the commitment to work alongside the government and other agencies to fortify the future of sustainable dairy farming in Ireland.
