Proposed rule changes passed at Lakeland Special General Meeting

Electronic voting in the election of board members is amongst the changes to Lakeland Dairies' rules passed today by shareholders of the Co-operative.

At a Special General Meeting (SGM) held in Cavan, the vote was carried by 98%. The Co-op says the outcome helps ensure that Lakeland Dairies can meet the needs of its farm family members across the wide catchment area it serves.

The shareholders of Lakeland Dairies voted on adopting the following changes to the co-op’s rulebook: promotion of diverse membership and governance participation; ensure meetings are held in a manner that encourages attendance and participation by members; introduction of postal, electronic and hybrid voting for elections of members of the Board; updating of language in the rules to reflect a modern society e.g. Chairperson replacing Chairman.

Speaking after the SGM, Lakeland Dairies’ Chairperson Niall Matthews welcomed the outcome of the vote.

“This is one of the most transformative times in the history of the co-operative movement. We are seeing considerable change coming to farming and with change comes opportunity. I’m a firm believer that having as many voices as possible from diverse backgrounds within our co-operative helps continually to foster progressive ideas and strategies.

“Lakeland Dairies is a progressive, modern and sustainable co-operative, producing food to the highest standards, while supporting the wellbeing of our farm families and rural communities. We want to sustain that in every way possible for the future and having greater diversity throughout our shareholder base is a key part of that process.

“We are a modern co-op with a large supplier base. Therefore, I am also pleased to see the option for in-person as well as hybrid voting for Board elections being carried. We want to ensure that every eligible shareholder has a voice in an election for their Board and this will help farmers have options on how to vote – which is a critical component of a democratic co-operative.”