Private sector exports in Qatar declined by 9% in the first half of 2023, with Chinese demand for dairy slumping [9725b5ce]. However, in the UK, the government has launched a new Dairy Export Programme to support the country's dairy industry and boost exports [2cef435f]. The programme includes the UK Dairy Showcase, education sessions, and trade missions. The aim is to help UK agri-businesses seize new export opportunities and exploit overseas markets. The UK dairy industry exported over £2 billion of products to 135 countries in 2022. The programme will provide targeted support for businesses, including education sessions on boosting exports and targeting new markets, trade promotion activities, and an inward buyer trade mission. The Dairy Export Programme will build on existing support from the Department for International Trade (DBT) and other organizations. The DBT has more than 100 advisers overseas focused on the agriculture, food, and drink sector. The National Farmers' Union (NFU) has welcomed the government's support package and will continue to work with DBT to maximize its benefits for dairy exporters and the supply chain. The Dairy Export Taskforce, which includes the NFU, Dairy UK, AHDB, and dairy businesses, is working to reduce trade barriers, improve market access, and identify new growth opportunities [2cef435f].
The FAO, along with other organizations, is distributing dairy equipment to small farmers in Dhaka as part of a project aimed at providing food security to households affected by the COVID-19 crisis. The equipment includes milking machines, milk cooling machines, sealer machines, generators, cream separators, weighing scales, lactometers, grass choppers, plastic milk cans, and plastic crates. The distribution took place in various locations in Dhaka [e308b377].
The UK's agri-food and drink attachés, based in British embassies and consulates around the world, work to remove trade barriers, identify emerging international markets, and tap into growing demand for UK farmers and producers. They have resolved 42 agri-food barriers worth an estimated £340 million per year and delivered 141 new market access agreements since 2020. This week, the attachés will tour the UK, meeting with food producers and gaining first-hand experience of food production. They will also meet with government officials and industry representatives to discuss export opportunities. The UK government plans to recruit five additional attachés to expand the network further. The visit of the attachés is seen as an opportunity to showcase the UK's high-quality produce and drive export growth.
In addition, the UK government is planning to introduce clearer food labels as part of its support for farmers [f9c0b0ce]. The move aims to provide consumers with more information about the origin and quality of the food they buy. The government is also considering the introduction of a new logo to indicate that a product is made in the UK. The initiative is part of the government's efforts to promote British agriculture and ensure a fair deal for farmers. The proposal comes as the UK prepares to leave the European Union and seeks to establish its own trade policies.
Amul, the popular dairy brand known as the 'Taste of India', is expanding internationally with its launch in the United States [88b407bd]. The company has partnered with the Michigan Milk Producers Association, a 108-year-old dairy cooperative, to bring its range of fresh milk products to the US market. This marks the first time that Amul's products will be available outside of India. The move is aimed at catering to the strong Indian and Asian diaspora in the United States. Amul hopes to become the largest dairy company and expand its brand globally. The company currently exports its products to over 50 countries and processes more than 3.5 crore litres of milk per day. India is the largest producer of milk, contributing about 21% to global milk production.
However, Amul may face challenges as it enters the US milk market. The US milk market is experiencing low consumption and price drops due to lifestyle changes, consumer preferences, and demographic shifts. Milk consumption in the US has been declining, partly due to the focus on low-fat diets and the popularity of milk alternatives. Amul will need to navigate these challenges and position itself as a premium choice for those seeking alternatives to traditional milk [1251acb9].
Tarun Sridhar, Former Secretary of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries in the Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, expressed his delight at India's position as the global leader in milk production. He highlighted the success of Operation Flood and Amul in empowering village cooperatives for milk collection and marketing. India's total milk production has increased from 23 million tonnes in 1970 to 230.6 million tonnes in the previous year. The dairy sector has the potential to transform the rural economy by giving surplus cash to producers and ensuring fair payment. The combined value of India's dairy sector is close to 10 lakh crore rupees, surpassing the combined value of paddy and wheat production. Sridhar congratulated India on World Milk Day for its achievement in raw milk production [08d05bbc].
June Dairy Month is an annual celebration dedicated to promoting and appreciating the dairy industry and its contributions to health and nutrition. It started as National Milk Month in 1937 and was later renamed to All Dairy Products. Historical records show that this festive "holiday" was initiated by dairy distributors to help stabilize dairy demand during the summer months when production was at its peak. Throughout history, June Dairy Month has aimed to encourage the consumption of dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter while highlighting the nutritional benefits they provide. The Agri-Business Council of Envision Greater Fond du Lac organizes various events during June Dairy Month, including Day on the Farm for kindergarten and first-grade students, June Dairy Day with family activities and dairy product tastings, and Breakfast on the Farm, the largest agricultural event showcasing a local farm and offering a country-style breakfast, music, cheese tasting, agricultural education, and more. The Agricultural Ambassador Program visits over 10,000 students each school year to educate them about agricultural production and nutrition. The program received a grant to expand in 2022 and was recognized with an award from the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation in 2023. The Agri-Business Council also partners with the Fond du Lac County Fair to create an education space, including the 'Moo-turnity Ward' where visitors can participate in farm activities and witness the birth of a cow. The Agri-Business Council concludes the year with an annual meeting and a gift box fundraiser. Overall, June Dairy Month serves as a reminder of the critical role dairy products and producers play in our daily diets and the agricultural economy. [61c6f10c]