TheNationalDairyCouncil(NDC)isafarmer-funded representativebodythatadvocatesfordairy–aspartofan increasinglysustainablyproducedfoodsystem;asakey componentinahealthybalanceddiet;andasasector, indispensabletoIreland’ssocialandeconomicwellbeing
OUR GOVERNANCE
The Board of the National Dairy Council is comprised of directors nominated by member co-operatives and farm organisations. The directors number 16, with two nominated by the ICMSA, two nominated by the IFA, one nominated by the Irish Co-operative Society, one nominated by the National Milk Agency and ten nominated by co-operatives. The majority of directors are dairy farmers
VISION, MISSION, VALUES
VISION
An Ireland where dairy is recognised as integral and indispensable to our physical, social and economic wellbeing
MISSION
Effective, evidence-based advocacy for Irish dairy and Irish dairy farmers
VALUES
Respect, Transparency, Clarity, Trust, Accountability.
The story of Irish Dairy is worth telling Every levy payment is a pledge of faith in our ability to tell that story well.
Each levy is hard-won by our farmers and voluntarily given. We do not take a cent for granted. We invest wisely and evaluate carefully; we do not waste.
Our funding farmers deserve no less
OUR PURPOSE
Heritage Our Future
In so doing, we protect and defend: Our Health, Our Heritage, Our Future. Our Health
The story of Irish dairy is a story worth telling It’s the story of vibrant and viable rural communities; a buoyant national economy and a stellar global reputation
It’s a story of hard-working, future-focused and resilient small family farms, producing high-quality, nutritious milk in an increasingly sustainable way
It’s the story of fresh milk, from grass-fed herds, transformed into premium products and ingredients that reach 140 countries globally
In Ireland alone, it contributes €17.6 billion to our economy and supports 54,000 jobs [1]
The National Dairy Council is entrusted to tell the story of Irish Dairy. A not-for-profit representative body, we advocate for Ireland’s dairy farmers and Ireland’s dairy products with the Irish public
In an age of misinformation and disinformation, it is our responsibility to shine a light on the many measures being taken at farm level to lessen dairy’s environmental impact and to highlight the vital role of dairy in the diet.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Our four strategic priorities are to effectively:
Advocate for Irish dairy farmers’ social license to operate. [1]
Celebrate dairy consumption and its role in a healthy, balanced and increasingly sustainable diet.
Champion dairy that is certified as farmed and processed in the Republic of Ireland, accredited by the NDC Trademark Guarantee.
Deliver the EU School Milk Scheme in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Our strategic priorities place advocacy and social license at the apex This reflects the nature of milk production in Ireland, with more than 90% of the milk produced destined for export and a relatively small proportion for domestic consumption.
However, the National Dairy Council believes that a population that eats dairy is more likely to take pride in Ireland’s dairy sector and its global success This belief will be reflected in a consolidated approach to our communications and partnership activity, whereby consumption and advocacy is more intertwined
CULTURE
“We aspire to be Ireland’s Most Effective Advocates.”
THE TEAM
We are farmer-funded, farmer-governed and advocate-led.
Our executive team includes expertise in communications and brand-building, education, nutrition, digital engagement and agriculture
We are insight-led and evidence-based, using science and facts to dispel myths and tackle misinformation around dairy
We have a deep understanding of consumer behaviour and attitudes and track public sentiment at intervals.
We are experienced storytellers, with the technical knowledge to reach audiences of all demographics across multiple channels in both traditional and digital media
We aspire to be Ireland’s Most Effective Advocates.
We are committed, from the ground up.
