Ireland South MEP Sean Kelly, has praised Dairygold’s €33 million investment to modernise its milk processing facilities at Mitchelstown thus ensuring its future competitiveness on the global stage, significantly as the EU concludes a trade agreement with Canada.

Sean Kelly MEP said: “Dairygold are a showcase of Irish innovation in the global agri-business sector as proven by their recent investment in high technology, which will enable Ireland’s leading farmers’ co-operative to manufacture high-value dairy ingredients, including their ambitions for expansion in the infant formulae sector.

“Dairygold have looked to the future, and risen to the challenge by diversifying into hi-end processing, in preparation for the ending of EU quota’s in 2015. The Co-op has shown great leadership through innovating early and utilising technology to stay ahead of its competitors thereby enabling it take on new global market opportunities, such as Canada and North America in the near future.”

The Munster MEP said this is also a tremendous vote of confidence in the current workforce as well as creating 100 new jobs during construction as it plans to ramp up production.

“The managment have show great vision by investing in research, modernising and scaling up for new growth opportunities in world agri-business. Dairygold Co-op is a global business success story, born out of community initiative and a spirited co-operative organisation.”

Concluding, Mr Kelly said the Dairygold brand carries the flag for Ireland overseas, as well as its 3,000 members at home who supply the milk.

“It is a symbol of hope for us all that we Irish possess the positive natural ability to always strive for success and punch above our weight on the world stage.”