Mayo man Keith O’Boyle has been elected as IFA milk committee chair.

The new chair produces fresh milk for Aurivo, and farms with his wife Joanne and young children Adam, Sophie and Emma-Jane in Hollymount, Co Mayo.

COVID-19 restrictions saw the voting conducted via postal ballot.

The Hollymount farmer said it was an honour to be elected chair of the committee.

“I have a hard act to follow in John Finn, who gave outstanding service to the liquid milk producers of Ireland over the past four years,” he said.

"I believe the lockdown has given consumers a greater appreciation for locally produced, fresh, nutritious foods like our milk and cream. We need to grasp this renewed understanding of the importance of primary producers, and ensure that it is never again taken for granted," he said.

IFA liquid milk chair Keith O'Boyle from Hollymount, Co Mayo.

Below-cost selling

O’Boyle said he would work with the other IFA committees to put pressure on the Government and other stakeholders to ensure that liquid milk producers receive a fair share of retail returns.

“We urgently need the full implementation of the new Grocery Goods Regulations, including the prohibition of below-cost selling, and the promise in the new Programme for Government, long sought by IFA, of an independent Ombudsman to enforce them,” he said.

“The National Milk Agency has regulated the Irish fresh milk market since 1995. It is doing outstanding work, but its remit and legal powers need to be strengthened to ensure an even playing field for the entire liquid milk market, not just the 75% produced by the Republic of Ireland’s contracted suppliers,” he added.

Strategy

“With the support of the national liquid milk committee, I will be developing a strategy for liquid milk over the summer,” the newly elected chair said.

“I will meet with all of the dairies and retailers to make it clear that they must change their ways when it comes to liquid milk. They must recognise that their supposed commitment to sustainability must include the economic viability of liquid milk producers.”