Munster Dairy Producer Organisation Surpasses 200 Members
Source: The DairyNews
The Munster Dairy Producer Organisation (MDPO) has successfully recruited over 200 members following a series of public information meetings across counties Limerick, Clare, and Kerry. The meetings, which addressed over 500 attendees, concluded recently, reflecting widespread concern among dairy farmers.
James Doyle, the interim chair of MDPO, noted that the growing membership demonstrates significant apprehension within the dairy farming community. With the current membership and an average milk supply of approximately 500,000 liters per farmer, the MDPO now represents around 100 million liters of milk.
The latest meeting, held in County Clare on July 4, attracted 120 attendees. A key issue raised was the viability of milk collection in certain locations. Doyle emphasized that the MDPO is committed to ensuring milk collection for all members, regardless of location, stating, “We have made a decision that no matter where we get a contract, that will be our priority. If that’s not possible for the processor, then we won’t be going with that processor.”
Looking ahead, the MDPO plans to focus on identifying areas with demand for milk. Doyle clarified, “The milk belongs to the dairy farmers themselves. No one has any claim to the milk, no processor or organization. All we’re looking for is membership to negotiate collectively for those milk suppliers. The membership is a license to do that.”
Doyle explained that the MDPO emerged from a sense of "desperation, frustration, and a lack of representation" among dairy farmers. These sentiments continue to drive support for the organization. He expressed optimism about further increasing membership in the coming weeks, noting that membership forms were distributed at all three meetings.
The MDPO aims to empower its members by securing favorable contracts for their milk, with the final decision resting with the farmers themselves. Doyle’s message is clear: the organization exists to advocate for dairy farmers and ensure their needs and concerns are adequately addressed.
The latest meeting, held in County Clare on July 4, attracted 120 attendees. A key issue raised was the viability of milk collection in certain locations. Doyle emphasized that the MDPO is committed to ensuring milk collection for all members, regardless of location, stating, “We have made a decision that no matter where we get a contract, that will be our priority. If that’s not possible for the processor, then we won’t be going with that processor.”
Looking ahead, the MDPO plans to focus on identifying areas with demand for milk. Doyle clarified, “The milk belongs to the dairy farmers themselves. No one has any claim to the milk, no processor or organization. All we’re looking for is membership to negotiate collectively for those milk suppliers. The membership is a license to do that.”
Doyle explained that the MDPO emerged from a sense of "desperation, frustration, and a lack of representation" among dairy farmers. These sentiments continue to drive support for the organization. He expressed optimism about further increasing membership in the coming weeks, noting that membership forms were distributed at all three meetings.
The MDPO aims to empower its members by securing favorable contracts for their milk, with the final decision resting with the farmers themselves. Doyle’s message is clear: the organization exists to advocate for dairy farmers and ensure their needs and concerns are adequately addressed.
