DairyCo

Don’t miss the chance to have your say in the future of research for the dairy industry

Published 11 May 09

Don't miss the chance to have your say in the future of research for the dairy industry

Farmers wanting to influence the future of dairy industry research have one week left to apply for a position on DairyCo's Research Advisory Forum.

The forum is being created to identify and address future challenges for the dairy industry and will drive and direct research and development to tackle industry challenges.

DairyCo board member and dairy farmer Kenny Campbell, who is heading up the forum says this is an excellent opportunity for farmers who are really investing in their future to have serious influence over the research DairyCo funds: "We want this forum to lead the way for the future of the dairy industry in Great Britain.  By working with farmers who are seeing now what sort of issues are on the horizon we can make sure we're conducting the research and development that addresses these issues and finds practical solutions for all dairy farmers."

Brian Lindsay, head of research and development at DairyCo explains: "There are many dairy farmers running successful and innovative businesses who have concerns about issues that they see arising in the long-term; the Research Advisory Forum will bring these farmers together alongside leading dairy scientists and industry representatives to establish a dedicated plan of research and development."

Dairy farmers wanting to apply should contact Brian Lindsay on 01285 646500 for further information or for an application form. All applications should be received no later than 20  May 2009.

Ends

Date  11 May 2009

For further information:
N:    Helen Bond
T:    01285 646544
E:    helen.bond@dairyco.org.uk

Notes for Editors:

DairyCo is a division of the statutory levy board, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

DairyCo's current focus is on improving the profitability of dairy farming by focusing on four specific areas:
•    Provision of high quality market information to help farmers and their representatives make the most of dairy markets and opportunities.
•    Helping dairy farmers increase their profits while meeting regulatory and environmental requirements - through the provision of world class research programmes and practical on-farm tools and services
•    Helping promote the positive perception of dairy farming with the general public.
•    The development of DairyCo activities towards a self-sustaining model.

DairyCo is funded entirely by milk producers, via a statutory levy on all milk sold off-farm, at the rate of 0.06p per litre.  This provides an annual income of around £6.5m.