A united dairy industry today presented plans for an ambitious industry strategy to government, aimed at joining up plans to strengthen the sector.
The NFU, Dairy UK and AHDB DairyCo draftstrategy, ‘Leading the Way’ aims to unify the industry and sets targets to eliminate the UK dairy trade deficit value by 2025.
The draftstrategy was presented at the DefraDairy Supply Chain Forum (DSCF), chaired by farming minister George Eusticetoday (Dec10). Members of the DSCFwill be given the opportunity to continue to shape the strategy ahead of a programme of roll out and sign-up activities during the spring of 2014.
NFUchief dairy adviser Rob Newberysaid: «We know that global demand for dairy products will grow significantly in the coming years as a consequence of population growth and changing consumption patterns. The NFUbelieves that the British dairy industry should seize this opportunity for growth. We know farmers are well placed to respond to this challenge, provided the right signals come from the market place.
Dairy UK Chief Executive Judith Bryanssaid: «It is vital that the UK dairy industry pulls together with a clear understanding and aspiration for the future. Growth based on the three pillars of sustainability; economic, social and environmental, will benefit farmers, processors and consumers alike. We are confident that the British dairy supply chain can rise to the challenge and successfully compete in the global market.
AHDB DairyCoSector Director Duncan Pullarsaid: «We believe that our target to achieve a zero UK dairy trade balance value in the next ten years, from the current £1.2bn deficit, is challenging but realistic. The whole chain must invest, innovate, become more efficient and strengthen routes to market. Successfully adapting to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead is the only way of securing a sustainable future for British dairying.
Source: 4-Traders