Welsh dairy farmers urged to take chance

Dairy farmers are determined to have their say about how their industry develops.

The initiative which involves farmers completing a short questionnaire is being co-ordinated by the Dairy Development Centre.

It is gathering information from farmers on a range of factors influencing the industry and will be used to provide information for the next Rural Development Plan. So far over 400 completed forms have been received with a steady flow of new forms being received daily.

“Wales is well-placed to produce milk with an excellent climate for growing grass, and is already home to many of the most efficient dairy farmers in the UK,” comments John Griffiths from the Dairy Development Centre.

“This initiative is about making sure farmers’ views are considered when developing a plan for the future of the dairy sector, helping to ensure a sustainable and vibrant industry for years to come.”


Eifion Williams from Promar International who are collating the data adds: “The response so far shows that dairy farmers have really welcomed the chance to have their say. This is the first time that all Welsh dairy farmers have been given the opportunity to help shape the industry and they are making sure their voice will be heard.”

He says that there is still time for farmers to send the forms back and urges those who have yet to do so to get the forms filled in and returned.

“We need to make sure that as many farmers as possible contribute to the discussions to ensure that the industry is speaking with a strong, collective voice regarding how it develops. It is really important that everyone takes the time to complete the form and send it back. Otherwise, how will the decision makers know what is really important at farm level?” Mr Williams adds.