Lakeland Dairies held separate meetings with An Taoiseach Simon Harris TD and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue TD at this year’s Tullamore Show.
Both meetings focused on the challenges facing the dairy sector including uncertainty over the nitrates derogation and the need for a coherent Government plan to support agriculture in reaching its climate target.
The meetings involved Lakeland Dairies’ Chairperson Niall Matthews and Group CEO Colin Kelly. Speaking after the meetings, Niall thanked the Taoiseach and Minister McConalogue for their engagement. “Our meetings with An Taoiseach Simon Harris and Minister McConalogue at the Tullamore Show were both constructive and crucial”.
“We were heartened to hear the Taoiseach say that he will lead a national effort to attempt to retain the derogation. He believes that the derogation is of national importance and, therefore, will be co-ordinated by his department in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture.
"Finally, we stressed the need for a clear and actionable road map from the government to help us achieve our 2030 climate targets in a balanced and fair manner. Lakeland Dairies farmers will do all they can to reach them, however, we are concerned that we are yet to see a clear and tangible Government plan and roadmap to help farmers achieve these targets,” Niall Matthews said.