WITH the crucial meeting to vote on the merger with Avonmore just three days away, the board of Waterford Co-op has reassured milk suppliers that existing milk collection arrangements will be maintained.

Commenting on rumours that the merger would mean a switch to three-day collection, a refusal to collect milk from smaller suppliers and the introduction of 24-hour collection, Waterford's group milk manager, Mr Michael O'Neill, said that no changes are planned.

"The issue has been fully discussed by the board and the advisory committees. The facts are that the existing collection system and delivery of lab results for all milk suppliers will be maintained and all milk suppliers will benefit from the total abolition of milk collection charges. This benefit significantly favours middle producers.

"Furthermore a new simplified milk purchasing policy is currently being prepared for the enlarged group which is predominantly based on the current Waterford purchasing policy," Mr O'Neill said.

Meanwhile, Waterford chairman Mr John Dowley has once again appealed to co-op share-holders to attend next Friday's special meeting and vote in favour of the merger proposals. He cited the support for the merger from the two main farm organisations, ICOS and former and current Ministers for Agriculture, Mr Ivan Yates and Mr Walsh.