b'Looking Back to Look ForwardsIn 2014, the Scottish dairy sector became theHowever, the success so far and where the path leads first sector in the Scottish food and drinkus next now needs to be considered in the context of industry to launch its own plan setting out itschanging consumer attitudes, particularly around perceptions about how environmentally friendly the ambition for growth. Since then the world hasdairy industry is, animal welfare, the global economy, changed immeasurably, and not least duringas well as the growing number of new product 2020 when the global pandemic COVID-19developments that dairy must compete with.swept across the world. If there is oneIn Scotland we are lucky to be blessed with an ideal common dominator in our future it will beclimate and abundant water, creating one of the best constant change. This change will be driven bynatural environments in the world for dairy farming. many things including the climate changePartnered with our farming culture, expertise and challenge, technology, data, insights and theagility to adapt this gives us a unique proposition. We can use this to build the strength and resilience consumer, as well as the changing dynamics inof the sector, to respond to the challenges of climate global trading and how consumers shop. change as well as seeking out commercial opportunities, particularly in overseas markets.The dairy sector in Scotland is diverse in its make-up with farmers, producers, processorsbig and smallScotland has a remote location that is distant fromall having a critical role to play in the supply chain.those countries that could benefit most from our milk The last six years were the beginning of a journeyand our quality dairy products. We also over rely on that has not only taught the sector more about itself,the UK grocery market as the end destination for our the consumer and markets, but has also deliveredprocessed products.some early wins that will help map out the pathway to 2030 in our ambition to rise to the top. Widening the number of products produced would The formation of the the Dairy Growth Board establishedenhance the opportunities for the sector to grow. a collaborative approach between the ScottishThere has been no major lack of effort to try to government and all the key partner agencies andattract new processing facilities in Scotland with, organisations that support the sector. The board has ledunfortunately, very limited success so far. We are the activities, championing the sector, as well asseeing major investment in existing plants helping to providing advice to new entrants and existing players. drive efficiency into operations and supply chains. However, the challenge of attracting inward Within the Dairy Growth Board remit, we have seeninvestment in processing continues to hamperthree Sector Champions come on board, living andour ability to produce added-value dairy productsbreathing all things Scottish dairy. Their knowledgein formats and volumes that world marketsand experiences have ensured the sector has a voiceare demanding.with government and a presence in the food and drink industry. The targeted input has delivered new salesThe global dairy market is forecast to grow for many in new markets working with both large and artisanyears. However, falling consumption of fresh liquid producers and created an expert resource that hasmilk in the UK and limited added-value processing put the Scottish Dairy Hub at the heart of the dairydemand in Scotland puts pressure on the milk community. We now know that our branded cheesesupply. Although milk production output has largely travels well internationally and that there is growingremained consistent, the number of farms has fallen demand for the entire Scottish dairy offering in our home market. Working in partnership has also beenand supply chains are constantly under pressure to key to these early achievements, particularly in skillsbe more efficient. The result is volatility in the priceand attracting more young people into the sector. paid for milk, contributing to instability in thesupply chain.There is still much more to be achieved, and we clearly understand where and what the opportunities now areRising to the Top 2030 must address these issues for Scottish dairy and how we can realise them. and opportunities.02'