Summit discusses viable future for dairy industry

Promoting sustainability and economic stability was the focus today of Scotland’s first ever Dairy Summit.

Called and hosted by Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead, the summit discussed the pressures faced by the £300 million dairy sector and how its position could be strengthened to guard against future volatility.

In line with industry wishes, Mr Lochhead also announced that research funding has been set aside for a project on dairy sector carbon-footprinting. The research will help produce environmental benefits and improve profitability by reducing costs.

Richard Lochhead said:

"The dairy sector is of substantial importance to Scotland’s economy. It is facing increasing pressures both on a European and global scale which demand change.

"That is what today’s Dairy Summit was about. I wanted to hear about the issues facing the industry, and how our producers, processors and retailers are adapting to meet changing demands.

"The Scottish Government is committed to supporting this sector, and I hope that one of the outcomes of today’s summit is that the whole industry can work together on significant projects that make a real difference.

"While we cannot intervene on pricing, there are many areas where we can help the sector improve profitability – such as the carbon-footprinting project which will help deliver real benefits to business and the environment.

"There are also millions of pounds available through our Food Processing, Marketing and Collaboration Grants scheme and work is already underway to improve collaboration between various parts of the dairy chain.

"The challenges facing the industry are not insurmountable and, with goodwill and collaboration on all sides, dairy farming in Scotland has a bright future."