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In the bustling landscape of contemporary business, where profit often reigns supreme, there exists an oasis of communal prosperity—a cooperative.
At the heart of this cooperative ethos lies the Farm Development Co-Op (FDC), a stalwart entity since its inception in 1973. Rooted in the principles of equality, equity, and mutual self-help, FDC Co-Op stands as a beacon of collaboration and shared success within the FDC Group.
The Co-op isn’t just about services—it’s about values. It’s about being part of something that puts people first.
Established in 1973, the Co-Op has been a cornerstone of the FDC Group's operations, embodying the essence of cooperative enterprise. Registered with the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) from its inception, FDC maintains strong ties with the cooperative movement in Ireland.
Origins and Ethos
The cooperative model, where enterprises are owned and controlled by their members for their collective benefit, underpins FDC’s philosophy.
While FDC Group has expanded its services, the Co-Op remains an integral function of the organisation. Its members, through the elected Co-op Committee, help ensure services are effective, professional and aligned with member needs. Ongoing collaboration between the Committee and executive management highlights FDC’s strong member-focused approach.
Strategic Objectives
FDC has identified core strategic objectives to guide its operations. These objectives are characterised by clarity, realism, achievability, affordability, timeliness, measurability, and relevance. An implementation plan, outlined in the appendices, provides a roadmap for achieving these objectives, with clear actions, responsible persons, timeframes, and measures for monitoring progress.
1.
Capital and Investment Restructure:
FDC aims to restructure its capital and investment profile to ensure regional balance, diversity, and increased member participation.
2.
Purpose Fulfilment:
The Society is committed to fulfilling its purpose through investment, property management, advocacy, and support services.
3.
Governance Alignment:
FDC aligns its governance framework with regulatory requirements and best practices in cooperative governance.
4.
Financial Sustainability:
Ensuring a viable business model is crucial for FDC to generate surpluses and fulfil its broader purpose.
At FDC Co-Op, our daily work is grounded in a simple but powerful idea: when we grow together, we grow stronger.
Whether it’s supporting a new business venture, enhancing member benefits, or promoting sustainable practices, our focus remains the same: creating long-term value for our members, our partners, and the communities we serve.
Leadership and Membership
The leadership of FDC Co-Op, epitomized by individuals like Founder and General Manager Jack Murphy, Colm Millerick and Micheál O’Driscoll, embodies a commitment to the cooperative ethos. The Co-op Committee, comprising members from diverse backgrounds, ensures geographical representation and grassroots engagement, fostering strong connections within the FDC Group.
FDC Co-Op exemplifies the power of cooperation, promoting collective prosperity over individual gain. It enriches its members’ lives and benefits society, remaining committed to its mission, values, and goals as it moves forward.
Our Board of Management
Jack Murphy
Founding Secretary Farm Development
1973-2017
Micheál O’Driscoll
Appointed Secretary of Farm Development
2017 - Present
Colm Millerick
Chairman of Farm Development
Present
At FDC Co-Op, we drive growth through shared purpose. Since 1973, we've built a trusted community of forward-thinkers, built on transparency and lasting value.
By investing in FDC Co-Op, you’re not just supporting a business—you’re becoming part of a legacy that puts people first, nurtures sustainable development, and delivers real impact across Ireland. We invite you to join us on this journey. Let’s grow something great—together.
Join Us Today!
Mission and Values
At its core, FDC Co-Op is driven by a mission to realize the economic, social, and cultural aspirations of its members. This mission is realized through various avenues:
1.
Investment and Property Management:
FDC invests in FDC-related business ventures and manages property assets for the benefit of these enterprises.
2.
Enhanced Benefits:
Members of FDC Co-Op enjoy enhanced benefits from the FDC Group, contributing to their economic well-being.
3.
Advocacy and Promotion:
FDC advocates the value proposition of the FDC Group among both members and non-members, fostering growth and sustainability.
4.
Contribution to Social and Cultural Wellbeing:
Guided by cooperative ethos, FDC contributes to the wider wellbeing of the FDC Group and its stakeholders.
5.
Financial Support and Governance:
FDC provides financial support services to FDC-related businesses and promotes environmental, social, and governance practices for their betterment.