Trewithen Dairy Supply Group has become the first Dairy Fund recipients in Cornwall. The Dairy Fund, funded by the Rural Development Programme for England, is a national scheme designed to improve profitability within the dairy sector.

The principal aim of the Dairy Fund is to support activity that facilitates a resilient and competitive dairy sector. It will support projects that enable dairy farms to improve their competitiveness, access new markets and strengthen their position in the supply chain through cooperation.

A group of seven farmers, all suppliers of Trewithen Dairy, have been awarded funds to assist their investigations into the benefits that can arise from cooperation and collaboration. The benefits of this work will include a greater understanding of the nuances of milk prices, both regionally and nationally and an insight into the merits of a more formal collaboration structure.

Funding would enable study tours, with the initial plans to visit Northern Ireland, where interesting structures are presenting valuable and sustainable models in the progression of their dairy sector.

Promar International is the main advisory organisation leading the group in discussion, with Neil Adams providing the direction to the group. Neil Adams quoted that “this is a fantastic opportunity for the group to converge to discuss the improvements that can be made through stronger cooperation”.

The Cornwall Development Company will be providing the project management, ensuring all work is completed on time, with all relevant evidence collated and reported. It will also act as the secretariat for the group. Ed Nancekivell, project manager said: “I am honoured to be involved in this project and I am optimistic that there will be many positive outcomes as a result of the activity.”

Chairperson Martin Whell said: “We are interested as a group to pursue the advantages that can be taken from more formal cooperation. If this can lead to a more secure market for our milk we will be very pleased”.

The group will meet regularly over the next six months to engage in debate on how to make cooperation and collaboration work at its optimum in the dairy sector.