First Milk and Morrisons in joint initiative to improve cheese supply chain

First Milk has joined forces with Morrisons supermarkets in an effort to improve sustainability in the British cheese supply chain.
A group of First Milk dairy farmers in Ayrshire have been invited to come up with projects that can help boost efficiencies on farm.
The move is part of Morrisons Farm Programme, a UK wide initiative with the core aim of helping build a sustainable farming industry. The retailer is developing a network of farmer groups around the country and investing in a range of applied research projects, covering dairy, beef, lamb, pork and poultry.
Kate Allum, First Milk’s executive director for cheese, said: “Our initial work with Morrisons has led to some very constructive discussions. Everyone involved agrees that for this initiative to work, there needs to be development throughout the cheese supply chain. This may involve different ways of working for the farmers, for cheese production and ultimately for our supply into Morrisons.”
Morrisons head of agriculture, David Evans, added: “We are delighted at the positive response we’ve had from First Milk and the Ayrshire dairy farmers.
They have already identified key areas that are a drain on dairy business profitability and we have agreed to fund the work as part of our Farm Programme.”