Written - Welsh Dairy Strategy

Today, the Welsh Assembly Government is issuing a Strategic Action Plan for the Dairy Industry which is aimed at securing a sustainable, profitable, efficient and innovative Welsh dairy sector.

The plan is being launched at the Welsh Dairy Show in Carmarthen.The Strategic Action Plan outlines how the dairy sector can rise to the challenges  and opportunities it faces, by:

• Meeting the needs of the market and capitalising on Wales unique features such as its climate, landscape and image of healthy food production;
• Adding value to milk and milk products;
• Working in partnership throughout the supply chain; and
• Protecting the environment and ensuring good animal health.

The Plan details the support available to assist producers in these areas. Support will be delivered primarily through Farming Connect and the Milk Development Council. Grant assistance will be available to small and medium sized food production companies. Funding will also be available for improving efficiencies within the food supply chain, and to help food and drink companies achieve designations which will help with marketing.

The Strategic Action Plan has been developed in close consultation with Welsh dairy farmers, the Agri-Food Partnership’s Dairy Strategy Group and the Milk Development Council. The Welsh Assembly Government will manage implementation of the strategic action plan in partnership with others.

The Welsh Assembly Government is well aware of how exposed the Welsh dairy farmer is to the factors that drive the global supply and demand of milk products. It also recognises the challenges which the industry faces in terms of the costs of production. The sector has been struggling to attract skilled labour and finds itself in an ever-changing environment. However, change brings challenges and opportunities for the industry which it must seize. Wales has a number of competitive advantages which are there for the industry to exploit.   The aim of this Plan is to provide the dairy sector with the support it needs to thrive in the future and it is for all those involved in partnership working to drive success and achieve this plan’s vision for a sustainable, profitable, efficient and innovative Welsh dairy sector, which benefits the people of Wales.