Fonterra steps up farmer development efforts

Fonterra launched the Fonterra Farmer Training and Education Program – a new farmer development initiative that marks a step up in the cooperative’s efforts to help develop Sri Lanka’s national dairy industry. One component of a larger program to increase local milk production and quality, this initiative builds on Fonterra’s ongoing efforts to help develop dairy farming capabilities in Sri Lanka.

Speaking at the launch, Managing Director of Fonterra Brands Sri Lanka Leon Clement said: “We want to work with the Government, industry, dairy farmers and other partners to help develop the national dairy industry in Sri Lanka. We have been helping them develop dairy farming skills in the country for more than 15 years and we are focused on increasing our investment in this area.

“Today’s launch is an exciting next step in our efforts to help skill-up farmers and marks the beginning of a real step up in our dairy development efforts. We want to expand on this in partnership with the Government to make a real and measurable difference to Sri Lanka’s dairy industry,” he said.  

During the course of the three year program, participants will learn a range of new skills including how to detect and treat the early stages of mastitis, implement world-class farm health and safety practices and understand more about on-farm milk quality improvement techniques.

“New Zealand’s dairy industry was founded 200 years ago and Fonterra has been built on this tradition and expertise. Over the last two centuries, New Zealand farmers have been developing new methods and techniques and today they are world leaders in producing top quality milk. We want to share this expertise and insight with Sri Lankan farmers to help develop the industry and grow the overall sector,” added Clement.

Two international dairy experts have been employed by Fonterra Brands Sri Lanka to deliver the Farmer Education and Training Program, alongside Sri Lankan dairy staff.

Fonterra Global Farm Extension Manager Denise Burrell stated that the program would provide more hands-on support to farmers.

“Farmers in the program will be making changes to the whole farm system – from the cow barns to the fodder that is being used to feed the animals. The adoption of new methods and techniques will ultimately improve farm incomes and benefit local economies but making changes to long-held practices requires support.

“We will be on the farms on a daily basis for the next few years to help farmers as they make this transition and have designed the program to be flexible, so we may vary the process, according to the individual farmer’s needs.”

Participants in the Farmer Education and Training Program will work alongside Fonterra to lead the way in the adoption of new best-practice methods in Sri Lanka.  

 “All of the farmers in the programme have made a commitment to open their farms regularly so those in the surrounding community can also benefit from the new insights that farmers in the program receive,” said Burrell.  Hanwella dairy farmer R. D. Gunasiri has been part of the Fonterra farmer-development program for 15 years and said that the support Fonterra has provided over this time has made a real difference to his farm business.  

“I am pleased to be part of the Farmer Education and Training Program. I have been working with Fonterra for more than a decade and I know that my participation in this program will allow me to take a step up in improving my production and milk quality,” he said.