Major Step for Dairy Sustainability as Programme Membership Grows
UK – Three industry bodies have joined the UK’s dairy growth strategy ‘leading the way’ in a big step forward for the industry.
20 March 2014
2 minute read
The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF), Agricultural Industries Confederation and Holstein UK have joined the UK’s sustainable development scheme.
Developed by the NFU, Dairy UK and DairyCo, ‘leading the way’ receives Defra support and incorporates the ‘guiding principles’ of the 2020 initiative.
Commitments were made at a Westminster briefing on 17 March.
Ken Proctor Holstein UK trustee said: ‘‘What’s not to support about ‘Leading the Way’? Uniting the industry behind this target for sustainable growth and giving it the ambition it needs to fulfil its potential is vital.
“We would all urge other industry organisations to get involved. We’re convinced that the UK is at the vanguard of genetic improvement, so welcome this chance to capitalize on this’.
Rob Newberry, chief dairy adviser stressed the need for further involvement.
He said other organisations, businesses and individuals are welcome.
DairyCo sector director Duncan Pullar said the ‘door is open’ for anybody with positive ideas for the sector.
And he added that time is of the essence : “These are exciting times but we can’t afford to be complacent, our competitors are wasting no time in responding to these opportunities, so now is the time for the supply chain to pull together.”
“We’re essentially asking three key questions as part of this engagement process, which will help build the strategy,” said Mr Newberry.
These are, what are you doing? what will you be doing? and what needs to be done? ..to contribute to growth in line with our aspiration; to eliminate the UK trade deficit.”
Michael Priestley
TheCattleSite News Desk
