Tipperary dairy farmer elected as President to top national role

Tipperary man Edward Carr has been elected President of the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS).

Mr. Carr, from Knockmaroe, Milestone, Thurles, also serves as Chairman of Arrabawn Co-operative.

ICOS (The Irish Co-operative Organisation Society) is the policy and representative body for 130 co-operative enterprises in Ireland, with over 150,000 individual members, comprising a combined turnover of €14 billion and employing more than 12,000 people.

Mr. Carr said, “I’m honoured to be elected by the board of ICOS to represent such a fantastic organisation and the Irish cooperative movement. I'm really looking forward to leading the sector at this particularly challenging time.

“The co-operative movement has served the Irish rural economy and farming families for 130 years, and the co-op model has shown that it is robust, sustainable, and fit for purpose.

“We have particular challenges in our time as we steer a course through the various environmental and other restrictions that we're facing, but I'm confident that the co-op structure will support and work with farmers to help them to adapt to the changing conditions and to continue to thrive.

“Irish farmers have always been committed to sustainability – past, present and future. Working with all stakeholders, our sector will continue to use science-based solutions to address the climate action imperatives that we all face.

“Given our predominantly pasture-based production model, we are already one of the lowest carbon agricultural economies in the world.

"Rather than advancing unduly severe or radical measures, and thereby potentially displacing a greater carbon potential into other less efficient food-producing regions of the world, it’s essential that Irish agriculture is given reasonable time to make all necessary adjustments to which we are committed.

"We are working to further reduce emissions towards 2030, and onwards, while ensuring continuity and security of supply for the wholesome and natural foods that we produce.”

Mr. Willie Meagher, Cappawhite, Co Tipperary, representing Tipperary Co-operative, was elected Vice-President of ICOS.

Mr. Carr succeeds James O’Donnell who recently retired from the ICOS Rural Business Committee by rotation and thereby, retired from the Board and as ICOS President, following the recent AGM of the society.