Dairy Ireland will host its 2014 Annual Conference: themed – Our Dairy Industry in 2015 – on Thursday next, October 16th. The event will be held in the Park Hotel, Clonmel, commencing at 10.30am.
The conference will question where the Irish Dairy Industry will be in 2025, and what is required to establish the Irish dairy industry as a key leading global player.
Dairy Ireland Chairman David Murphy said: “Ireland’s dairy industry is on the cusp of dramatic change with the abolition of milk quotas six months from now. This change will unleash great opportunity for Ireland’s dairy farmers, but will also challenge us to build an industry that can compete on a global stage with international players that single handedly process more milk than our total national milk pool.
“The solutions for our industry are within us. All relevant stakeholders, including farmers , co-op shareholders, processors and the government have a role to play. With our panel of speakers, we hope to instigate a stimulating debate.”
“Last year’s conference attracted a turnout of 140 delegates. We are hopeful of building on this figure next week.”
The itinerary for the conference is as follows:
SESSION 1 – Irish Dairy Industry in 2025: Global? Innovative? Consolidated?
11.00 am – Aaron Forde, Chairman Irish Dairy Board & CEO, Aurivo Co-op.
11.25 am – John O’Brien, former Chairman of Barryroe & Carbery Co-op.
11.45 am – Sean Molloy, Director of Strategy, Glanbia plc.
12.00 pm – Panel Discussion. Chaired by Richard Halleron, Agriland.ie
12.25 pm – Coffee Break
SESSION 2 – Viable Dairy Farming: Requirements? Changes? Structure?
12.40 pm – Austin Finn, Land Mobility Service Macra na Feirme.
13.05 pm – Tim O’Leary, Deputy President, Irish Farmers Association.
1.30 pm – Jack Kennedy, Irish Farmers Journal.
1.55 pm – Panel discussion. Chaired by Owen Brodie, Dairy Ireland.
The admission fee is €15: students €5.