Strategy papers presented to industry members

Animal health and welfare, knowledge exchange and research and development were the key issues at a recent Dairy Science Forum (DSF).

The object of the event was to look at ways to help protect the future competitiveness and sustainability of the dairy farming industry.

Guests from throughout the dairy sector were invited to attend the event, which was held at Porthcullis House in Westminster and hosted by MP Rory Stewart.

Three strategy papers were presented and followed up with group discussions. Guests were then given the opportunity to put forward suggestions.

Overall, there was a great deal of consensus on the key points.

David Black, DSF chairman, said: "We aimed to help align the thinking throughout the dairy industry by producing these strategy papers and identifying what we saw as the key issues."

He added that the basis of animal welfare is to address the needs of the animals themselves so that they are healthy and productive.

"We are in a position to empower farmers and advisers with the information they need and give access to evidence-based science so that the UK industry becomes ever more vibrant and competitive in world markets."