Welcome to The Dairy Mail

18 November 2008

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY ETIENNE TERRE’BLANCHÉ,
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE MILK PRODUCERS’ ORGANISATION

Support for dairy producers

Representatives from the major financial institutions as well as input suppliers, met with dairy producers in KwaZulu-Natal, under the auspices of the Milk Producers’ Organisation (MPO) in Pietermaritzburg on 13 November. The aim of the meeting was to discuss possible ways of assisting dairy producers during these difficult times.

The recent 50 cent per litre decline in the producer price of milk, combined with continuing increases in input costs, are threatening the survival of dairy producers in KwaZulu-Natal and elsewhere in the country.

In an unprecedented show of support, the majority of these institutions declared their commitment to the dairy industry and agriculture as a whole, by offering to assist producers in need by means of tailormade bridging or so-called “rescue” packages, with the aim of ensuring continued and sustainable food production.

These packages will be subject to normal scrutiny and must be supported by the necessary documentation.

The banking sector used the opportunity to invite any farmer who feels that he or she might need assistance, to contact them as soon as possible to discuss their particular situation.

For further information, contact Etienne Terre’Blanché at 012 843 5600 or 082 900 7676 or e-mail etienne@mpo.co.za.

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