Modernisation to Sweep Through Dairy Sector
COLOMBIA – Dairying faces a range of modernisations through a national farm development programme that has pledged 100 billion pesos to improve on-farm facilities.
16 April 2013
1 minute read
The Dairy National Council for Economic and Social Policies (CONPES) will direct funding at small and medium farmers to improve both product handling and production facilities.
Cooling tanks, pasture renovation, genetic renewal programmes, technical assistance and the formation of strategic partnerships are examples of how the scheme will help over 350,000 families working in milk production.
“The budget is an indication of how important re-engineering the dairy industry is within the the government,” said Agriculture Minister, Restrepo Salazar. “The big goal is to make milk production in Colombia more productive and competitive.”
A comprehensive tightening of the milk supply chain will also be included in the policy. Control mechanisms and limiting market fluctuations by controlling milk smugglers will help to abate artificial prices.
From 2010 to 2012 milk output increased 200,000 litres which has been steadily met with rising consumption.
The 100 billion pesos will be added to an already established pot of funds already comprising 35 billion pesos and 30 million euros.
This will be a boost to agriculture overall as dairy farming accounts for 24 per cent of agricultural GDP.
TheCattleSite News Desk
