Mayo senator seeking clarity on Aurivo merger proposals

SENATOR Mark Duffy has sought clarity from Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon on Aurivo merger talks with Dale Farm.

The amalgamation between Aurivo and Dale Farm was originally introduced in 2024 but tabled in late 2025 due to governance-focused concerns. Discussions over their future trading relationship are set to resume, with shareholder meetings scheduled next month.

Sligo-headquartered co-op Aurivo is discussing a merger with Northern Ireland-headquartered co-op Dale Farm to consolidate costs, drive efficiency, and in turn, compete more effectively in the global dairy market.

Aurivo is owned by 10,000 farmers and recently acquired the co-op Arrabawn. Aurivo reported a jump of 13.5% in turnover to €725.1 million for 2024. Dale Farm is a co-op of 1,300 dairy farmers and reported a 14% increase in turnover to £722.4 million for 2024.

This merger intention to position both entities to compete more effectively in the global dairy market.

Before the deal is approved, Senator Duffy is addressing concerns over the potential loss of support and protection for Irish farmers if Aurivo is incorporated outside of the jurisdiction of the Republic and the European Union. Without further discussion or commercial agreements, this merger could result in a loss of autonomy for Irish farmers, he said, especially in times of crisis.

For these reasons, Senator Duffy has called for clarity from the Minister for Agriculture and any updates on support for farmers into the future if the control is transferred across the border.

“I think we need to have everything answered and considered for our farmers before decisions are made,” said Senator Duffy. “We must ensure that livelihoods and farmers in Mayo and the west are protected in any potential merger.”