Dairygold Refuses to Attend Supplier Meeting Over Milk Price Disputes

In a significant development, Dairygold has announced that its representatives will not participate in a scheduled meeting by a group of disgruntled milk suppliers. The meeting, set for Wednesday, January 29, at the Firgrove Hotel in Mitchelstown, Co. Cork, has been organized by concerned farmers to address various issues.

Background on the Suppliers’ Meeting

This meeting comes on the heels of an earlier gathering held earlier this month where hundreds of suppliers gathered to voice their growing concerns about their terms of service and overall treatment by Dairygold. Attendees expressed a range of issues, from contract terms to economic rewards.

Supplier Organizers’ Stance

Niall Twomey, a Milk supplier from Minane Bridge in Co. Cork and one of the conveners of this week’s meeting, expressed ongoing concerns despite some positive developments. While Dairygold had announced it would not implement a proposed 6c/L threshold for its loyalty bonus scheme, Twomey and his fellow suppliers remain unsatisfied.

“There are still many issues and grievances to address,” Twomey told Agriland. “An improvement in milk price remains our top priority.”

This sentiment is echoed by other suppliers who hope to see Dairygold increase its milk prices to reflect current market conditions. They believe their cooperative should be among the highest on the milk price league table.

Dairygold’s Response

In a statement released Wednesday, Dairygold criticized the demand to attend the meeting, asserting that it had already engaged with the suppliers within its existing governance structures for several weeks. “We seek to involve all members and have done so through our democratic processes,” the cooperative said.

“Dairygold has also written to all its milk suppliers this week to address the issues raised and those highlighted in the media. We cannot see how our participation in a public meeting would be constructive.”

Dairygold emphasized its openness and the importance of respecting its governance structure to ensure fair representation and efficient communication. “We urge suppliers to present their concerns through these forums,” the cooperative added.

Impact on Industry Relations

The standoff between Dairygold and its suppliers underscores the broader tensions in the dairy industry. Suppliers, often small family farmers, rely heavily on reasonable contracts and fair prices to sustain their businesses. The decision by Dairygold not to attend what some see as a necessary forum for dialogue may strain these relationships further.

Twomey acknowledged Dairygold’s existing engagement efforts but lamented the lack of progress. “We need to provide a clearer path forward and communicate directly with our fellow suppliers about this. This meeting is essential for that.”

Future Implications

As the conflict continues, both parties face significant challenges. dairygold must maintain its reputation and operational integrity while responding to supplier demands. Meanwhile, suppliers must balance their need for fair treatment with the cooperative’s governance structure.

“We are hopeful that this meeting will lead to a productive discussion and eventual resolution of these issues,” Twomey concluded.

The outcome of the meeting and subsequent negotiations will likely serve as a barometer for the overall health of the dairy sector and cooperative governance practices.

Conclusion

The standoff between Dairygold and its suppliers highlights the complexities of cooperative governance and the ongoing challenges faced by family farmers. While the specific issues may vary, the demand for fair treatment and transparency is universal.

“As a cooperative, it’s crucial that Dairygold continues to listen to its members and find solutions that work for everyone,” commented Twomey.

The future of this conflict will be closely watched by the agricultural community, offering insights into the resilience and adaptability of cooperative models.

Stay tuned for updates on this story.

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