Dairy South West

 
You will now find a copy of the detailed findings and an executive summary of the recent research commissioned by Dairy South West and undertaken by the Centre for Rural Research at the University of Exeter by following the link below.  
 
 
Dairy South West - Full Report 
 
 
In order to ensure that Dairy South West's future initiatives meet the needs of the region's dairy enterprises we set out to identify perceived barriers to the development of their businesses and potential solutions. These findings reinforce the informal consultations undertaken earlier among a smaller sample of processors who participated in the formation of Dairy South West.  
 
The report is most encouraging and the best dairying news for some time in the region. In an industry dogged by depression and uncertainty, there appears to be good reason for optimism. Over eighty dairy processors across the size spectrum responded with enthusiasm to our survey, adding to the previous findings from over twenty companies, and the picture that emerges is exceedingly positive. The region's dairy industry is determined to carve out a successful future for itself and Dairy South West is intent on offering support.  
 
Dairy South West is a one of the sector group forums set up by South West Food & Drink (SWFD) using funding from the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) with an objective to enhance the economic performance and sustainability of the Food and Drink industry in the Region. As one of these sector groups, we are already working with SWRDA to roll out support initiatives, signposting and training programmes for everyone who wants to seize the opportunity. We can also provide a platform for collaboration and joint initiatives. Such assistance would have been invaluable in the early days of my own business, Lynher Dairies, so I urge every dairy business in the region to approach Dairy South West for the help they need.  
 
We will be attending the South West Dairy event at the Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallett on Wednesday 5 October where we will be launching a number of new initiatives prompted by our research findings, so try to pay us a visit on the Dairy South West stand.  
 
In the meantime, I hope you find the report interesting reading.  
 
Michael Horrell  
Chairman  
Dairy South West