PRIMARY INDUSTRIES SUMMIT
By the horns By Gerald Piddock
That’s how the dairy industry should tackle the many challenges facing it, says a panel of dairy sector leaders.
T
he dairy industry should concern itself with what it can and cannot control and look to keep improving itself if it is to meet the challenge alternative milk is setting, says a dairy industry leader. If it does this, it will stay ahead, Miraka chief executive Karl Gradon told farmers and industry leaders at the Primary Industries Summit. “We need to worry about what the dairy industry is able to do and continue to raise the bar about dairying in New Zealand,” said Gradon. “Dairy nutrition is extremely important in many countries around the world and [we’ll succeed] if we do those things simply – and keep a watching brief – but remember what we are good at.” Gradon was one of four dairy industry leaders taking part in a panel discussion looking at challenges and opportunities the sector is facing. DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle said alternatives will
develop with technology and perhaps may one day match dairy’s nutritional value. “But in the meantime, we have got to be able to articulate its values and research what we have got.” Synthetic milk could create dairy ingredient components, he said, but he is still doubtful it could match the fats, vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids that come from a dairy product. “Half of the world’s calcium comes from dairy.” Federated Farmers vicepresident Wayne Langford said he believes alternative milks will be seen as lowervalue products compared to what is produced on farm. Asked about the industry shifting from volume to more value-added products, Gradon said that with peak cow numbers being passed in New Zealand, the industry has to re-hone its thoughts and consider how it can add value to all of the industry’s exports. “Format and product
DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle (left) and Miraka chief executive Karl Gradon outline the challenges the dairy industry faces during a panel discussion at the Primary Industries of New Zealand Summit in Auckland. Photo: Jay Creaghan of Manic Photography
type are going be essential to get right. Today we’re largely geared towards whole powder drys – including ourselves.”
While the milk product format is critical, it also has to resonate with the market they are in, which makes trade agreements critical
