Greater co-operation within the hard-pressed dairy sector is vital to achieve better returns for producers. So says the government and a wealth of industry specialists, but do producers agree?
To find out, the NFU in the North East and North West have joined forces to stage a Northern Dairy Debate on Wednesday 15 February at The Stirk House, Gisburn from 7.30pm.
To stimulate a lively exchange of views, the debate will hear from four speakers who will set the scene and explore the financial viability of greater collaboration, as well as giving first-hand accounts of the pros and cons of working more closely together.
NFU chief dairy adviser Rob Newbury will outline the state of play on the much publicised EU Dairy Package – now described by many as a missed opportunity – as well as work to develop an industry code of practice which is likely to major on collaboration.
Karolina Klaskova, a Milkbench and dairy systems analyst from DairyCo, will explore the potential benefits of a co-operative approach, looking at how the figures stack up in practice.
Thereafter the debate will hear from Kate Allum, chief executive of First Milk and Andy Bloor, producer chairman of the Tesco sustainable dairy group. Both have been asked to give their candid views on the importance of collaboration – the benefits it can offer, but some of the potential pitfalls too.
“This debate will be something new for northern dairy producers – a real opportunity to explore the potential of collaborative working to help improve farm businesses and give producers more bargaining power in the supply chain,” said David Shaw, chairman of the NFU’s north east dairy board.
“There has been much talk of the role of co-operatives for example, but it is not always that clear how so-called producer groups would work in practice. This event will give NFU members the chance to get a much clearer idea of what is meant by collaboration, how it might work and who might benefit.
“Collaboration is the buzz word at the moment but is it really the panacea for all ills? No doubt we’ll find out next week.”
The event is open to all NFU members, is free to attend and includes a buffet supper. Places are available on a first-come first-served basis and can be booked by calling NFU regional office on 01904 451550.
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