NFU team in Japan to promote UK dairy industry
An NFU delegation has travelled to Japan to promote the UK dairy industry and explore new global opportunities.
NFU dairy board chairman Mansel Raymond and chief dairy adviser Rob Newbery are visiting Yokohama to take part in the International Dairy Confederation’s (IDF) World Dairy Summit, being held from 28 October – 1 November.
They will be looking to find new openings for the British dairy industry while sharing expertise and knowledge gained from the creation of the voluntary code of practice for dairy.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Raymond said: “The British dairy industry is looking for opportunities to grow, and the international market has huge potential for us.
“Our produce is world renowned, and we will be looking to push the message that we are ready to become major players on the world stage when we are out there.”
Dairy farmer Mr Raymond, also chairman of the EU farmers’ organisation Copa-Cogeca dairy working group, said he was also keen to share examples of best practice that will improve others.
“Our produce is world renowned, and we will be looking to push the message that we are ready to become major players on the world stage when we are out there.”
Mansel Raymond, NFU dairy board chairman
“For example, we know that the dairy code of best practice for contractual relations is something that a lot of people are interested in, and we will be sharing our experiences of how we got to where we are in the UK and how other countries could implement something similar if they thought it was necessary.”
Judith Bryans, the newly appointed chief executive of Dairy UK, is also attending the event. She said the UK dairy industry had much to be proud of, but it was imperative that it stays ahead of the game.
“In the UK, dairy farmers and processors provide the consumer with much loved, safe and nutritious foods which we must ensure remain an integral part of the UK diet,” added Dr Bryans.
“We already enjoy enormous support from the public. In the UK we are in 98% of households and we are major employer.
“However, we must strive to ensure the public’s continued support and a major aspect of that is to ensure they have confidence in dairy products and that these products have a major role to play in a healthy balanced diet.