Dairygold will not be mandating a reduction in cow numbers, its chief executive has confirmed.
peaking to the Farming Independent, Conor Galvin said sustainability is a challenge that is being faced “head on” by the co-op, but he ruled out any move by the co-op to mandate a reduction in suppliers’ cow numbers.
In December, former Dairygold CEO Jim Woulfe warned that the “fly in the ointment” for the country as a food-producing nation is our sustainability.
“It is unacceptable that the water quality isn’t up to the required standard, that it has deteriorated, particularly in the south and south-east. That is one of the first issues that must be tackled.”
He said at this point in time, in the context of sustainability and climate challenge, “We have got to bite the bullet in the context of the voluntary exit schemes for bovine farmers.”
Conor Galvin said water quality “is something we do recognise as an area we need to show improvement in”. He said there is pressure in certain areas on water quality and the co-op has six full-time advisors on the ground working with farmers.
“The most important thing here is that we are positively engaging with milk suppliers to help them improve water quality on their farm.
“Every farm is different. Every farmer’s challenges are different. And by having Dairygold calling to farms to see the individual set-up a farmer has, that leaves us in a very good position to help them change practices where required and to advise them on any investments they might need to make. This is a very collaborative programme we have to ensure we give them the support and allow them to make changes.”
Galvin also said the co-op has “a significant minority of farmers who are in (Nitrates) Derogation. It is difficult to say what effect it will have, as it will depend on the mitigating actions that are taken as banding is implemented.”
But he said if there are changes to the Nitrates Derogation, he would “expect farmers to be resourceful in order to be compliant to any changes”.
Galvin also said that nearly 85pc of the milk coming into Dairygold comes from farms enrolled in its Grassroots programme, which was launched in January.
