IFA National Dairy Chairman Tom Phelan is stepping down from his position after three years in the role, it has been confirmed.
The Laois farmer has informed members of the association’s National Dairy Committee of his intention to contest an election for a seat on the board of Glanbia Co-op.
Vice-chairman of the National Dairy Committee Stephen Arthur will assume the duties of chairman after a meeting of the committee today.
It is understood that an election will be held in due course.
In message circulated to IFA National Council members last night, IFA director general Damian McDonald said: “Just to inform National Council that our National Dairy Chair Tom Phelan informed the members of the National Dairy Committee this evening that he has decided to contest an election for a seat on the board of Glanbia.
Processors have been called on to increase the milk price returned to suppliers, and “at the very least reflect Ornua returns” by the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA).
Commenting on the matter, IFA National Dairy Committee chairman Tom Phelan said: “Our analysis shows a very stable European market with positive indications on the global front for increases in commodity prices, as farmers face into months when cash-flow is extremely tight.”
The farm organisation noted that the first Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction of the new year yielded “significant gains in commodity prices”, surpassing European quotations for butter, cheddar and skim milk powder (SMP) by between €200 and €400.