The ICOS office in Brussels hosted visits from members recently where they met with MEPs and EU Commission officials on many issues regarding EU legislation.

As discussions around the importance of the Nitrates Derogation to Irish agriculture continue, the Tirlán Future Farmer group met with MEPs Nina Carberry, Billy Kelleher and Cynthia Ní Mhurchu.  In addition, they met European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, and officials from DG Environment and COPA COGECA. The group highlighted the importance of retaining the nitrates derogation and demonstrated the positive actions they are taking every day to enhance environmental and economic sustainability on their family farms.

Tralee based liquid milk processor Lee Strand co-operative led by CEO Gearoid Linnane also visited Brussels where they met with MEPs Barry Cowen, Billy Kelleher and Sean Kelly. The group also met with COPA COGECA officials and Liam MacHale, EU director of the IFA. The group also visited the Milcobel Co-op cheese processing plant in Moorslede, Western Flanders. This was followed by a farm visit to one of Milcobel’s 1500 suppliers.

At the beginning of October, a large contingent from Lisavaird Co-op from West Cork led by CEO Martin Dineen visited Brussels as part of their centenary celebrations. The group were hosted in the EU Parliament by Sean Kelly MEP. The group also had a chance meeting outside the European Parliament with Commissioner Michael McGrath. Rose O’Donovan editor of Agrafacts and a native of Ballydehob in West Cork along with COPA COGECA officials spoke with the group about EU policy.

Damien O’Reilly ICOS EU Affairs manager said, “I am always delighted to welcome our members to Brussels. It is important that farmers and co-ops have a grasp of how the institutions here work in crafting legislation which impacts on daily farming life. It is an enlightening and educational experience for visitors to learn about the complex nature of how the European Commission, European Parliament and The ICOS office in Brussels hosted visits from members recently where they met with MEPs and EU Commission officials on many issues regarding EU legislation.

As discussions around the importance of the Nitrates Derogation to Irish agriculture continue, the Tirlán Future Farmer group met with MEPs Nina Carberry, Billy Kelleher and Cynthia Ní Mhurchu.  In addition, they met European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, and officials from DG Environment and COPA COGECA. The group highlighted the importance of retaining the nitrates derogation and demonstrated the positive actions they are taking every day to enhance environmental and economic sustainability on their family farms.

Tralee based liquid milk processor Lee Strand co-operative led by CEO Gearoid Linnane also visited Brussels where they met with MEPs Barry Cowen, Billy Kelleher and Sean Kelly. The group also met with COPA COGECA officials and Liam MacHale, EU director of the IFA. The group also visited the Milcobel Co-op cheese processing plant in Moorslede, Western Flanders. This was followed by a farm visit to one of Milcobel’s 1500 suppliers.

At the beginning of October, a large contingent from Lisavaird Co-op from West Cork led by CEO Martin Dineen visited Brussels as part of their centenary celebrations. The group were hosted in the EU Parliament by Sean Kelly MEP. The group also had a chance meeting outside the European Parliament with Commissioner Michael McGrath. Rose O’Donovan editor of Agrafacts and a native of Ballydehob in West Cork along with COPA COGECA officials spoke with the group about EU policy.

Council work together along with our role here as representatives of Irish co-operatives and farmers under the COPA COGECA umbrella.”