The farmer beside you

摘要

We in the dairy industry have a unique relationship with the supply chain. Unlike a company in the tea, coffee or chocolate business, the dairy processor and retailer is quite closely linked to the raw material supplier - the dairy farmer. Milk is a perishable product, and traditionally has not travelled well in liquid form. When there is a problem with low milk prices, we can't hide from it. It is there, right in our countryside, and in whichever country we happen to be in. As a result, we have responsibilities to the supplier, and we can't pretend low prices and volatility don't matter. If farmers suffer, then we have an obligation to try and help them.