Horace Plunkett set up the first co-operative creamery in 1889. Plunkett felt that if farmers were to prosper they needed to combine together in business organisations. Together with RA Andersen, the Reverend Tom Finlay SJ and Lord Monteagle and some other friends, Plunkett began to promote the setting up of co-operative creameries and co-operative agricultural societies.

Sir Horace Plunkett, 1854- 1932

By 1894 there were 33 co-operatives established and Plunkett recognised the need to establish his work on a more formal basis. On April 18th, 1894, the inaugural meeting of the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society- known as IAOS- was held. This name would remain until 1979, when it was changed to ICOS.

IAOS was designed to help farmers organise every branch of their industry co-operatively and represent them on large questions through a central body.

Arising from Plunkett’s efforts to encourage the government to provide the necessary educational and technical assistance, a Recess Committee was convened that recommended the setting up of a Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction. This gave rise to the setting up of the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction in 1899, with Plunkett as its first Vice-President and Chief Executive.

The numbers of co-operatives in Ireland grew to 1,114 by 1920. The creameries and agriculture societies were the first to be established, but there were closely followed by the setting up of Agricultural Credit Co-operatives.

During the 1940’s IAOS was to the fore in promoting the introduction of artificial insemination in Ireland, in conjunction with Ballyclough Co-operative.

Throughout the 1950's IAOS was deeply involved in the setting up of the co-operative livestock marts around the country.

The 1960’s were a period when industrial development was beginning and Ireland prepared to join the Common Market.

Following a major review of the co-operative movement, carried out by Dr. Joe Knapp from the Farmer Co-operative Service of the US Dept. of Agriculture, IAOS initiated a rationalisation programme for the dairy industry in 1966.

A second and stronger wave of rationalisation followed the IAOS plan in 1972 and Ireland’s entry to the European community. Arising from these two rounds of rationalisation there resulted many amalgamations that reduced the number of creameries throughout the country to less than 50.

Upon joining the European Community, IAOS became a member of COGECA (European Association of Agricultural and Fishing Co-operatives).

From the 1980’s until the present day ICOS continues to promote the improvement of structures in the dairy industry in Ireland, and provides a wide range of services to complex businesses in an increasingly competitive environment.