The Dairy Council for Northern Ireland is equally committed to the effective marketing of milk products both at home and abroad.
This is according to the organisation’s chair, Dermot Farrell.
“We have recently hosted a series of inward trade missions. This work is built on a range of export-related marketing activities undertaken over a number of years.
“At its heart, the work undertaken by the Council serves to communicate the fact that dairy products produced in Northern Ireland are of an exceptionally high quality and they are safe to eat,” Farrell said.
Farrell made these comments while recently addressing members of the Guild of Agricultural Journalists of Ireland.
The membership of the Dairy Council is made up of representatives from the dairy processing and farming sectors in equal measure.
Farrell is general manager for food service with Lakeland Dairies.
“Consensus drives all of the work undertaken by the Dairy Council. We talk about everything, apart from the price of milk paid to farmers,” he added.
Dairy Council NI
According to the Council’s chair, the consumer image of milk, and milk production, is in a good space at the present time.
He also highlighted the determination of farmers and processers to address consumer concerns on a proactive manner. This is particularly the case where matters associated with animal welfare are concerned.
“Much of this work will be done in a quiet and behind-the-scenes manner. And, if required, price incentives will be put in place to drive change at farm level.”
Farrell specifically highlighted the challenges posed by bovine tuberculosis (bTB) on dairy farms across Northern Ireland.
“Approximately 10% of herd are impacted by the disease at the present time,” he added.
“However, if the figure rose above this level, it could start to impact consumers’ perspectives on milk and dairy products.
“It is also recognised that the challenge of bTB is hindering the speed at which enhanced levels of sustainability can be achieved within the dairy farming sector,” Farrell explained.
Dairy farmers in Northern Ireland produce 2½ billion litres of milk on an annual basis, the vast bulk of which is exported in product form to countries around the world.
“Milk is now widely perceived as a whole food. And this is a good news story. But given our limited home market, the milk that we produce must be exported.
“This throws up a very specific challenge: fresh milk wants to turn sour from the very instant it leaves the cow.
“Dairy processers in Northern Ireland have done a tremendous job in harnessing this potential over many years. It’s very much a case of building on all of this for the future,” he said.
