Scottish Dairy Bureau to provide advice and training.
Scotland’s dairy farmers will have access to top class training and information with the creation of the new Scottish Dairy Bureau.
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has today revealed a full-time manager will be appointed to head up the one-stop-shop for farmers, which will open for business on April 1, 2014. £50,000 has been made available to fund the Bureau.
It was one of the recommendations made in the Ambition 2025 report published following a review into the dairy sector by Scotland Food & Drink Chief Executive James Withers.
Speaking at the NFUS AGM in St Andrews, Mr Lochhead said:
“I’m delighted to announce yet further progress in the journey to transforming Scotland’s dairy sector.
“The Scottish Dairy Bureau will act as a one-stop-shop for information, advice and training for Scotland’s dairy farmers, and those who express an interest in becoming involved in this important field of our agricultural landscape.
“It’s crucial that, as we seek to position Scotland’s dairy products in international markets, there is a forum where key players can network and build relationships for the good of our dairy sector.
“The steps we are taking will harness the enormous potential it has and transform its capability to become a global leader into a reality.”
Mr Lochhead recently appointed Paul Grant, chairman of the internationally successful jam and marmalade manufacturer Mackays, as the chairman of the Scottish Dairy Growth Board. His remit includes looking at ways to grow the dairy sector, access new markets and significantly grow its output and profitability.
