Welcome to
Irish Organic Milk Suppliers Co-Operative
A Unified Voice
We serve as a unified voice and advocate for organic farmers in Ireland.
For All Farmers
No matter how large or small, every member will have the same voting power.
For Fair Pricing
IOMS will negotiate with processors on your behalf to ensure fair pricing.
About Irish Organic Milk Suppliers Co-Operative
IOMS was founded in 2023 to serve as a unified voice and advocate for organic dairy farmers. The group’s ambition is to support the strength and growth of organic dairy in Ireland and to make the sector more attractive, and farms more viable.
Ireland has a rich and successful Co-operative history, IOMS has
been formed to ensure that Ireland has a rich and successful Co-operative history, which have long been a cornerstone of the
agricultural sector. IOMS has been established to ensure that organic dairy farmers can share in the success that the Co-operative ethos can bring to farmers. The Co-Op set up Ireland’s first Dairy Producer Organisation (PO).
The Co-Op and the Producer Organisation will work to ensure that Irish organic dairy farmers can negotiate with processors to command a fair price. Our organisation will also strive to source organic inputs at the keenest prices possible.
As a Co-Op, equality is at our core. It will be “one member, one vote”. No matter how large or small your shareholding you will have the same voting power as all other members.
Vision
Uniting Irish organic dairy farmers
for a better future.
Values
Honesty: Honestly is at the heart of our Co-op. Honesty with our members, our customers, and nature.
Fairness: Our approach is based on fairness to our members and ensuring a long-term fair deal for all milk suppliers.
Ambition: We are ambitious for our farmer members and for the organic dairy sector as a profitable way to produce nutritious healthy food for consumers in a way that is deeply respectful of the environment we work in.
Action: We will advocate on all fronts to strengthen the position of organic dairy farming. We will always act in favour of the collective to achieve effective short and long term positive impact.
Mission
To empower Irish organic dairy farmers, both existing and potential, to thrive through advocacy, co-operation and determination.
OUR BOARD
Gavin Lynch
Chairman
Alexandra Ross
Secretary
David Forristal
Treasurer
Colman Deely
Board Member
Arthur Craigie
Board Member
Alan Hearne
Board Member
Donal Sheehan
Board Member
OUR FARMERS
IOMS will consist of farmers spanning the entire Irish organic dairy sector, from Malin to Mizen and from micro dairies to large-scale operations. Despite their outward differences, these farmers are already united by their commitment to organic principles and a desire to profitably produce some of the best dairy in the world. Here are some of their stories:
Bill George
Co. Carlow
Bill George runs Coolanowle Organic Farm in county Carlow. The farm went into conversion in 2001 and became an organic farm in 2003. Faced with rising input costs and decreasing profits, Bill recognised that going organic could help them capture more value for their produce. Today they have 150 milking cows.
Bill believes that Irish Organic Milk Suppliers (IOMS) will help farmers to work together to negotiate a better farm price. There is a strong demand for Irish milk by Irish consumers. If organic farmers get a premium price for their milk, they will meet demand and grow the industry.
He sees building a strong relationship with the processor as a very important role for the Co-Op. It will set the basis for all future negotiations, working for the members interests in terms of price, quality and quantity of milk to be supplied. It is essential to ensure that the retailer is setting the organic price and it’s value and is not under pricing it as a cost to the farmers.
He believes that, with IOMS’ support and increased marketing support from Bord Bia, the future looks positive for organic dairy farming in Ireland.
Fergal Rudden
Co. Cavan
Fergal Rudden operates a 150-acre farm in Stradrone, Co. Cavan, where he milks 70 cows. He predominantly uses a Spring calving system but is transitioning towards a split system. Last Winter, he calved 10 cows and aims for an even split between Spring and Winter calving. The farm began its organic conversion in 2019 and achieved full certification in 2021. Fergal says he went organic because “he believes in the ethos of organic farming” and considers it beneficial for farmers, the community, and customers.
Fergal is confident that the collaboration among farmers in the Irish Organic Milk Suppliers (IOMS) will enhance their ability to access new markets. He sees involvement in research as a crucial aspect of the Co-Op, which will also be better positioned to secure funding. Additionally, he envisions the Co-Op facilitating buying groups and standardising purchasing contracts.
Fergal identifies several opportunities for Irish organic dairy farming, including access to new markets both domestically and internationally, with a focus on the domestic market initially given the industry’s current size. He also believes that more farmers would convert to organic farming if better prices are achieved, with the co-op playing a vital role in this transformation.
His primary goal for IOMS is to secure better prices for organic milk, which he believes will foster a sustainable organic dairy industry in Ireland and encourage more farmers to convert.
Fergal is cautiously optimistic about the future of dairy farming. While the cost of inputs and difficulty securing premium price for the product are challenges, he believes IOMS is a great initiative and seeing farmers pull together gives him hope for the future.
WHY JOIN IOMS
Inside the Farm Gate
Source Inputs
1. As a collective, we will work to source inputs such as feed at the best price possible and will ensure a continuous supply, supporting the needs of your farm.
Share Knowledge and Expertise
2. As a member of the Co-Op, you gain access to a network of farmers, sharing experiences and knowledge to help drive growth on your farm. We have a WhatsApp group with over 60 participants sharing information on all aspects of organic dairying, from management tips to matching stock for sale with buyers.
Drive the Research and Training Agenda
3. We will partner with Teagasc and NOTS to ensure more relevant research and receive expert technical guidance tailored to organic dairy farming.
Outside the Farm Gate
Negotiate with Processors
1. The importance of securing a fair price for our milk is crucial to sustain and grow a vibrant organic dairy sector. Organic dairy farmers have often faced the challenges of negotiating individually. IOMS will negotiate with processors on your behalf, easing this process for you.
Develop New Outlets for Milk
2. IOMS Co-Op will be actively working to develop new outlets and markets for organic milk which return a fair price to our producers. This will drive the growth and demand for organic dairy.
Strength in Numbers
3. Joining our Co-Operative means benefiting from collective advocacy and lobbying. Collectively, we amplify your voice and work towards better outcomes for all members.
Democratic Co-Operative Model
4. As a Co-Op we will be led by our members. Your involvement is welcomed and your opinions matter. You will have the power to shape and guide IOMS’s future.
Your Investment in IOMS
Investing in your Co-Op through shares and a levy payment supports a network dedicated to enhancing the profitability and growth of your farm.Your contribution is crucial for the Co-Op’s development and success, which in turn benefits your farm. Building up a shareholding in the Co-Op allows you to build equity, providing you with a valuable stake in a thriving Co-Op. All levy-paying members will have an opportunity to purchase shares in the Co-Op, enabling them to directly benefit from the collective success and growth of the Co-Op.
Shares: Members can purchase 200 shares at €1 per share, payable annually. Additionally, farmers will be offered 1 extra share for every 5,000 litres produced each year.
Levy: A levy of 0.5 cents per litre (cpl) based on the milk processed in the prior year. This levy will be paid monthly via direct debit.
How to Join Our Co-Op
Becoming a member of the Irish Organic Milk Suppliers Co-Op is a simple 3 step process.
1
Become a Member
Purchase your 200 shares at €1 per share to become a member of Irish Organic Milk Suppliers.
2
Calculate
You will then be asked to calculate a monthly direct debit fee based on your 2023 milk supply.
3
Monthly Subscription
Complete the process by signing up to the monthly direct debit based on your calculation in the previous step.
Calculate Your Monthly Direct Debit
The levy is calculated at 0.5 cents per litre (cpl) based on the milk sent to an organic dairy processor. This levy will be paid monthly via direct debit. The first payments will start in August of 2024.
Frequently Asked Question’s
How do I become a member?
To become a member, please visit irishorganicmilk.ie/join-ioms and complete the application process.
What are the responsibilities of members?
As a member, you are responsible for:
- Attending relevant meetings
- Contributing financially
- Adhering to Co-Op policies
- Supporting Co-Op activities
How are decisions made within the Co-Op?
Decisions are made democratically with input from all members. By becoming a member, your voice will be heard and you will have a say in important decisions through voting and participation in meetings. As a co-op it will be one member, one vote.
Do I need to be certified organic to join the Co-Op?
Yes, you need to be certified organic or in the process of conversion to organic certification to join the Co-Op. Full certification will be required within a specified timeframe after joining.
Do I need to produce milk to join the Co-Op?
Yes, you need to produce milk in order to join the Co-Op.
What are the costs associated with becoming a member of the Co-Op?
To join the Co-Op, you must pay an initial membership fee of €200, which grants you 200 shares in the Co-Op. Additionally, there is a 0.5 cpl levy on the milk you processed in the previous year. This levy will be deducted monthly from your account starting from the date of sign-up.
How will my membership and levy fees be used?
Your investment will be used for the operational running of the Co-Op, including marketing, lobbying activities and building equity in the Co-Op.
Can I sell my shares if I leave the Co-Op?
Yes, you can sell your shares back to the Co-Op or to another eligible member if you decide to leave the Co-Op.
How often are meetings held?
Regular meetings will be held quarterly, with additional meetings scheduled as needed. Annual general meetings are held once a year.
Who can I contact for more information or assistance?
For more information or assistance, please contact Gavin 087 9901104 or Alexandra 087 6414785.
Download Our Prospectus
Dairy Producer Organisations
Useful Links & Information
Below you will find links to information about Dairy Producer Organisations, such as guidance on setting up a Dairy Producer Organisation, other examples of successful DPO’s, and organisations that support Organic Farmers.
DAFM Organic Hub
Support for organic farmers
DPO Information
Guidance on setting up a DPO
Biolait (France)
Example of successful DPO
Eko Holland (Netherlands)
Example of successful DPO
NOTS
Support for organic farmers
Teagasc Organics
Support for organic farmers
IOA
Support for organic farmers
Organic Trust
Support for organic farmers
Career Opportunity With IOMS
Job Specification: Co-op Development Manager
Role Title: Co-op Development Manager
Location: Initially remote, travel required with in-person meetings and events as required.
Organisation: Irish Organic Milk Suppliers Co-operative (IOMS)
Reports to: Chairman and IOMS Board
Contract: Full-time, Daily Rate Contract
Role Purpose: To support the strategic and operational development of the Irish Organic Milk Suppliers Co-operative (IOMS), including project coordination, supply chain coordination and administration, member engagement, funding delivery, and brand development activities.
How to Apply: Interested candidates should send a CV and short cover letter outlining their suitability for the role to info@irishorganicmilk.ie by 7/6/25.