Tirlán, Ireland’s leading farmer-owned dairy and grain co-operative, held a meeting of Ireland’s MEPs ahead of them travelling to Brussels for the first formal session of the new European Parliament term.

The MEPs in attendance were Billy Kelleher (FF/ Renew Europe), Michael McNamara (Ind/ Renew Europe), Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (FF/Renew Europe), Barry Cowen (FF/Renew Europe), Kathleen Funchion (SF/The Left) and Nina Carberry (FG/ EPP).

The aim of the meeting was to brief MEPs across constituencies and party groupings on the economic impact of the agricultural sector, particularly its contribution to employment opportunities and vibrant rural communities. An EY study has shown that Tirlán activity directly and indirectly supports 19,000 jobs in Ireland.

Among the wide range of issues discussed at the meeting were the importance of retaining the Nitrates Derogation beyond 2025 and the unique and vital position of Ireland’s farming, dairy and grain sectors in Ireland’s overall economy.

The MEPs also received a tour of Tirlán’s Innovation Centre and Ballyragget plant.

MEPs were also briefed on Tirlán’s Farming for Water: River Slaney Project, as a potential blueprint for adaptation in other EU Members States. As part of the Project, farm family suppliers are committed to playing their role in enhancing water quality across the Slaney River catchment area of Wexford, Carlow, and Wicklow.

Commenting, John Murphy, Tirlán’s Chairperson said: “We are very pleased to welcome so many of our MEPs here ahead of what will no doubt be a very busy term in the European Parliament. It is vitally important to Ireland’s agri sector that our MEPs use their strong collective voice to advocate on behalf of farming families across the country.

“The dairy and grain industries are key to Ireland’s rural economy. Our politicians and policymakers need to understand and support our farmers. Agriculture as an indigenous employer cannot be underestimated and must be at the forefront of their work in Europe. In particular the retention of the derogation is a key ask of our MEPs. We look forward to ongoing dialogue with our representatives,” he added.

Seán Molloy, Tirlán’s Chief Executive Officer said: “It is an opportune time to show our MEPs how the dairy sector is adapting in a sustainable manner, while retaining our position as world-class food producers and economic drivers. As the new European Parliament convenes, we ask our MEPs to advocate on behalf of Irish agriculture and to support Irish farm families, as well as the wider community directly and indirectly employed in the sector.”

The meeting was held at Tirlán’s state-of-the-art Ballyragget plant. Annually, the site processes over 1 billion litres of milk, 1.2 billion litres of whey and 220 million litres of cream into 220,000 tonnes of finished product across butter, casein, Milk Protein Concentrate (MPC), cheese and whey products which are sold to customers across the globe. Economically, Tirlán Co-op generated milk payments of €1.3 billion in 2023, supporting 19,000 jobs in the rural economy.

The aim of the meeting was to brief MEPs across constituencies and party groupings on the important role of the Irish dairy sector and to highlight the need to continue to protect and promote Irish farming families on the European stage.

Among the wide range of issues discussed at the meeting were the importance of retaining the Nitrates Derogation beyond 2025 and the unique and vital position of Ireland’s farming, dairy and grain sectors in Ireland’s overall economy.