The programme consisted of supply chain visits to Muller and Ornua, and an introduction to retail with Co-op. The Group also visited NML, to focus on animal health and were given an insight into other industry organisations, including Red Tractor and AHDB Dairy. The final two sessions introduced the group to NFU lobbying and policy streams, with a visit to Westminster to meet Farming Minister George Eustice and Simon Hoare MP, and a place at the NFU Dairy Risk Management Conference. In a follow-up survey of the group, who also received presentation skills and media training, all of the respondents said that they would recommend the programme to others.
In their final session, the Group decided to outline the three key priorities that they would like to see the NFU Dairy Board focus on:
1. Transparency in the supply chain
To include mandatory price reporting, minimum contract terms and an extension to the powers of the Grocery Code Adjudicator (GCA).
2. Animal health and welfare
More of a joined up focus on diseases impacting dairy.
3. Focus on the younger generation
Train more farmers to be ambassadors for dairy, particularly on social media.
Raise the profile of the Dairy Board with younger members.
The priorities have been put to the Dairy Board, with many these areas already being worked on as part of the Board’s vision and strategy.