Arla farmer owner Emily Spicer explains why she believes dairy farming has a strong future on BBC Radio 4’s Farming Today
Emily Spicer, Arla farmer owner with a family-run dairy farm in Dorset, featured on BBC Radio 4’s Farming Today at the weekend. The programme, which focused on the challenges and opportunities facing dairy farmers, interviewed Emily about life as a dairy farmer and the future of the industry.
Despite the challenges currently facing dairy farmers, due to the global market volatility impacting the milk price, it was clear that in general, farmers believe there is a sustainable and long-term future for dairy farming in the UK. However, as Emily acknowledged, it is important that consumers understand how they can support farmers.
This is particularly the case for Arla farmers, because, as owners of the cooperative, they benefit directly from sales of Arla’s products and brands.
Emily spent seven years working in the aircraft building industry but gave it up three years ago to return home to run her the family dairy farm. She said she was attracted to farming because the business at home provided a viable business proposition.
Hear more from Emily here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05z6b9c.
Arla Foods is a global dairy company and co-operative owned by 13,500 dairy farmers circa 3,000 of whom are British.
Dating back to 1881, Arla’s purpose is to secure the highest value for its farmers’ milk, while creating opportunities for their growth. With production facilities in 11 countries and sales offices in a further 30, Arla is the world’s fifth largest dairy company and largest supplier of organic dairy products. Arla has a total of more than 18,000 colleagues and its products are sold under the well-known brands Arla®, Lurpak® and Castello® in more than 100 countries.
Arla Foods UK is the largest dairy company in the country and is home to leading dairy brands Anchor, Cravendale, and Lactofree. It has a turnover of £2.3 billion. As well as being number one in fresh liquid milk, butter, spreads and cream, Arla is the UK’s largest cheese manufacturer. It has also built the world’s largest fresh milk facility located at Aylesbury and has plans for it to be the first zero carbon site of its kind. The UK business has a team of approximately 3,500 colleagues located at its dairies, distribution centres and head office.