Tirlán paid out €59 million in milk payments to Wicklow farmers

The co-operative paid out €1.3 billion for milk in 2023, with €59 million of that going to farm families in Wicklow. In addition, it delivered a market-leading price for grain.

Highlights also included group turnover of €2.53 billion, a 17pc year-on-year decrease, as commodity market prices fell from record highs.

Progress was made on Living Proof sustainability targets through a 6.3pc reduction in on-farm carbon footprint from 2018, with over 95pc of milk suppliers participating in the €16 million Sustainability Action Payment programme in 2023.

The modernisation of co-op member representative structure delivered greater gender balance and inclusion of young farmers.

Tirlán CountryLife operates a network of 14 garden centres, including Co Wicklow stores based in Ashford and Rathdrum.

Commenting on the 2023 results, Tirlán Chairperson John Murphy said that the robust performance and strong balance sheet showed the strength of the co-operative, as it was able to assist its farmers in early 2024 with significant weather-related price and feed supports.

He emphasised that Tirlán remains focused on paying the best possible milk and grain prices to suppliers and that a focus on debt reduction, in addition to a new Investment Fund of more than €210 million, means that the business is well-positioned for strategic growth and expansion into the future.

Mr Murphy stated: “The challenges faced by both the sector and farmers last year were unprecedented. Weather, input costs, and regulatory change combined to cause considerable concerns for our farm families who are already in the midst of significant change. The organisation remained strong and supportive through its advisory teams who engaged with our farm families on a daily basis.

“We have made major investments in diversified production facilities, alongside developing our R&D and commercial teams, and are constantly seeking new opportunities for our expanding portfolio of brands on international markets.”

Speaking about the 2023 results, Tirlán CEO, Jim Bergin, said that the organisation’s overall performance in a turbulent year reflects the underlying strengths of the business. He said that the upcoming opening of the Kilkenny Cheese production facility at Belview in Kilkenny demonstrated the forward-looking, innovative and dynamic business that Tirlán has become.

Mr Bergin said: “Agribusiness faced many challenges in 2023 and I am proud that we still managed to maintain competitiveness and deliver strong supports for our farmers. While circumstances remain challenging, we remain optimistic as we look to the future as we have a strong, stable core business that is well-positioned to continue to invest and innovate for the future.”