A one-stop shop for information on all things dairy has been launched for Scottish farmers.
The Scottish Dairy Hub – a joint initiative between the Scottish Government and industry levy body DairyCo – was one of the recommendations which emerged from a report into the sector last year.
The Ambition 2025 report, compiled by Scotland Food and Drink chief executive James Withers, called for radical changes in the way the Scottish dairy sector operates.
It set the ambitious target for the Scottish dairy industry to increase milk production by 50% to 1.6billion litres of milk a year by 2025.
It was part of the Scottish Dairy Review Group, which is chaired by the chairman of Carnoustie-based jam maker Mackays, Paul Grant.
The newly formed dairy hub will be headed up by Stuart Martin, who has a background in business development. He has worked at Scottish Organic Milk for the past 11 years.
“It [the hub] will act as a one-stop shop for authoritative information, advice and training so it can proactively and reactively work with farmers in directing them to the best source of advice to improve business planning and technical efficiency,” said Mr Martin.
NFU Scotland’s milk policy manager George Jamieson said: “Scottish dairy farmers must be in a position to maintain and increase a competitive advantage and see a worthwhile return for their efforts.
“To do this we need a fit for purpose effective support structure, including a highly effective well-resourced, accessible transparent knowledge transfer service.
“Key to this is a proactive communications hub which can identify the right services, quickly and efficiently.”
Dairy farmers interested in finding out more about the Scottish Dairy Hub can contact Mr Martin directly on 07500766083.
He will also be available to meet at NFU Scotland’s stand at the Royal Highland Show on Thursday and Friday next week.