The president of the IFA, Mr John Donnelly, has called on shareholders in Waterford and Avonmore co-ops to vote "Yes" at the two final special meetings next Friday.

He added that the IFA had received commitments from both co-ops on milk price, farmer control and the accreditation of milk testing.

The Avonmore special meeting is to be held in St Canice's Community Hall, Grange Rd, Kilkenny, while the Waterford meeting will be held at the IDA Advance Premises, Cork Road, Waterford.

Shareholders in both Avonmore Foods and Waterford Foods are expected to vote in favour of the deal at extraordinary general meetings on Monday, ahead of the two final co-op votes next Friday.