ICOS President Bertie O’Leary has warmly welcomed the appointment of Phil Hogan as the next EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development wishing him every success for his tenure in the post.

“ICOS looks forward to working closely with him in shaping the future success of Irish agriculture and the co-operative business model which is at the heart of this success story.

“Key issues will confront the new commissioner presenting many opportunities and challenges for Irish farmers and their co-operatives including market volatility, the end of dairy quotas, CAP implementation, trade deals and agrifood research and innovation plans, among other matters.”

O’Leary committed that “ICOS would be a positive force in helping the Commissioner to address these challenges”.

ICOS has had a full time presence in Brussels for over 40 years and is seen as the key point of contact for Irish Agri industry in the European Capital.

O’Leary also welcomed the appointment of Limerick man Peter Power as the Commissioner’s Chef de Cabinet and Tipperary man Dermot Ryan who was a key player in the delivery of the most recent CAP reform.  “Their trade experience will be a considerable asset and will contribute to a better understanding of Ireland’s position on agriculture and rural affairs throughout the Commission.”

ICOS – the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society – represents co-operatives and organisations in Ireland – including the Irish dairy processing co-operatives and livestock marts – whose associated businesses have a combined turnover in the region of € 14 billion, with some 150,000 individual members, employing 12,000 people in Ireland, and a further 24,000 people overseas.