Bates welcomes support for Welsh dairy industry

A new £3.3 million project to support the dairy industry in Wales to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the dairy supply chain, has been backed by a local Welsh Assembly Member.

Mick Bates, Montgomeryshire AM, said he had called for a scheme to be set up last year.

The "Dairy Supply Chain Efficiencies Project" has received funding through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013, which is funded by the Welsh Assembly and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

Mr Bates said: "I warmly welcome this £3.3 million project to support the dairy sector in Wales and am delighted that the minister has recognised the need to take strong action to secure this key industry for the future.

"Last year I highlighted the plight of the dairy sector in the Assembly, only to be told that the industry was in 'robust health'.

"I wrote to the minister urging her to conduct an urgent review of the profitability of the dairy sector and to offer all support possible."

He added: "I hope this project will provide the catalyst for all tiers of the dairy chain to re-evaluate their priorities and help develop a sustainable Welsh dairy industry for the future."