Lakeland Dairies Urges Election Candidates to Support Dairy Sector
Source: DairyNews.today
As Ireland’s general election approaches, Lakeland Dairies has called on political candidates to recognize the critical contribution of the dairy industry to the nation’s economy and rural communities.
The cooperative, representing 3,200 farm families across 17 counties and processing two billion liters of milk annually, has written to candidates nationwide, emphasizing the sector’s economic and social importance.
Accompanying each letter is a badge bearing the slogan: “I’m backing dairy this election, are you?”, urging candidates to publicly support the industry as they campaign ahead of the November 29 election.
Economic and Environmental Contributions
Niall Matthews, Chairperson of Lakeland Dairies, highlighted the sector’s substantial economic footprint:
“The dairy sector contributes over €17 billion annually to Ireland’s economy and supports more than 54,000 jobs nationwide. It sustains rural communities by driving local economic growth and resilience.”
Matthews also underscored Ireland’s global leadership in sustainable dairy production:
“Our model is among the most environmentally efficient in the world. Irish dairy farmers produce 240 sustainable and nutritious dairy products sought after from Bailieboro to Beijing and Clones to Chicago.”
Preserving Rural Heritage
Beyond its economic value, the dairy industry plays a vital role in preserving Ireland’s rural heritage and way of life, Matthews added.
“Dairy farming is about more than milk production; it underpins the heritage and future prosperity of our farm families. Generational success in this sector requires continued support during uncertain times.”
Symbolism and Advocacy
The badges distributed to candidates symbolize a commitment to Ireland’s dairy sector. Lakeland Dairies encourages candidates to wear them proudly as a sign of support for the thousands of farmers and rural businesses reliant on the industry.
“We are making a clear ask of those who will form the 34th Dáil: back our farm families and the dairy sector,” Matthews said. “This industry is a cornerstone of rural Ireland, providing livelihoods and fostering sustainable communities in every county.”
The cooperative hopes its initiative will ensure dairy’s significance remains at the forefront of the political agenda as voters head to the polls.
Accompanying each letter is a badge bearing the slogan: “I’m backing dairy this election, are you?”, urging candidates to publicly support the industry as they campaign ahead of the November 29 election.
Economic and Environmental Contributions
Niall Matthews, Chairperson of Lakeland Dairies, highlighted the sector’s substantial economic footprint:
“The dairy sector contributes over €17 billion annually to Ireland’s economy and supports more than 54,000 jobs nationwide. It sustains rural communities by driving local economic growth and resilience.”
Matthews also underscored Ireland’s global leadership in sustainable dairy production:
“Our model is among the most environmentally efficient in the world. Irish dairy farmers produce 240 sustainable and nutritious dairy products sought after from Bailieboro to Beijing and Clones to Chicago.”
Preserving Rural Heritage
Beyond its economic value, the dairy industry plays a vital role in preserving Ireland’s rural heritage and way of life, Matthews added.
“Dairy farming is about more than milk production; it underpins the heritage and future prosperity of our farm families. Generational success in this sector requires continued support during uncertain times.”
Symbolism and Advocacy
The badges distributed to candidates symbolize a commitment to Ireland’s dairy sector. Lakeland Dairies encourages candidates to wear them proudly as a sign of support for the thousands of farmers and rural businesses reliant on the industry.
“We are making a clear ask of those who will form the 34th Dáil: back our farm families and the dairy sector,” Matthews said. “This industry is a cornerstone of rural Ireland, providing livelihoods and fostering sustainable communities in every county.”
The cooperative hopes its initiative will ensure dairy’s significance remains at the forefront of the political agenda as voters head to the polls.
