Belfast-headquartered co-op Dale Farm is set to deliver a £10 million boost with a 13th payment to its supply base.

The co-op today (Wednesday, April 15) confirmed that it will make a 13th payment along with its March milk payment.

According to the co-op the payment will see 1p/L paid on all litres supplied in the 2025/26 year, this will be made to producers along with the March milk payment this month.

Dale Farm collected and processed over 1 billion litres of milk from farms over the past year according to latest figures.

Dale Farm

Dale Farm said today that the "conclusion" of a successful trading year had enabled it to make its "highest ever 13th payment to its producer supply base".

A spokesperson added: “As a farmer owned co-operative every decision we take is about supporting the profitability and sustainability of our members’ farm enterprises, and our cooperative as a whole.

"Unrest in the Middle East has led to a rapid increase in costs at farm level in recent weeks, so this additional payment is timely in helping support our producers this spring.”

Last month Dale Farm announced a new "strategic partnership" with Aurivo.

This followed on from lengthy discussions in recent months on a possible merger deal.

However the boards of both co-operatives ultimately agreed to work together on a number projects including by-product utilisation and added value protein.

The co-ops told Agriland that building on the close working relationship developed between the entities over the past five years, the partnership will enable both organisations to maximise synergies, optimise market opportunities and drive operational excellence.

Group chief executive of Dale Farm Nick Whelan, believes that given the "increasingly competitive global market, farmer-owned cooperatives on this island must continue to work together to unlock scale and support long-term growth".