Positive Progress Towards Future for NE Dairy Sector

A study into options for the North-east dairy industry supported by Aberdeenshire Council and Opportunity North-east (ONE) has identified potential investors.

The study was initiated following the decision by Muller Wiseman to close their milk processing plant in Aberdeen and truck milk to Bellshill, Lanarkshire, for processing, for which producers are charged 1¾ pence per litre. This, coupled with low milk prices over recent years has put the future of the North-east dairy sector in serious doubt.

Now, the second stage of the dairy study has seen a prospectus selling the North-east dairy opportunity prepared and widely promoted in the UK and internationally. Three serious investment prospects have emerged from this work.

Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee Cllr David Aitchison (SNP-Westhill & District), whose remit includes economic development, said:

“This is a positive first step to ensuring the continued economic viability of dairy farming in the North-east. Partnership working has ensured that we have come this far and I am hopeful there will be a positive outcome.”

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson commented:

“I am delighted that a number of potential investors have expressed an interest in the opportunities which exist in the milk sector here in the North-east following the decision by Muller Wiseman to close their operations here.

“This represents important progress and while we should be cautious at this early stage, Aberdeenshire Council and ONE are to be commended for their efforts to date.”