MPO DONATION TOWARDS COVID-19

17 April 2020

Fellow MPO Board of Directors and Dairy Farmers,

We are indeed in the midst of a very difficult period for our country, as well as for our dairy industry.

The MPO was approached by a group of dairy farmers who wish to contribute towards the government’s endeavors to fight or mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by donating up to 1% of their daily milk production for a period of 30 days, to feed our most vulnerable and needy members of our society, as identified by and managed through government and its relevant social partners.

This is seen as a major opportunity to demonstrate the dairy industry’s commitment to building a healthy society through the consumption of a nutritious, affordable, and accessible source of food.

We have approached some of our processors and they have indicated that they are in support of this idea and that they are prepared to process, package, and distribute the donated milk free of charge with a label clearly indicating that it is a donation from the dairy industry to our people and that it is not for sale. For this initiative to succeed, your buy-in and support of this process will be appreciated.

The MPO’s Regional and Branch Management Committee members and Regional Managers have been respectfully requested to liaise with all producers in their area as a matter of urgency, informing them about the initiative and urging them to support and be part of this commendable action. The Regional Management Committees will also be responsible for the coordination of this process in the four MPO
regions.

The intention is to start this as soon as possible. At the end of the initial 30 day period, the MPO will review the situation and advise on the next line of action. This is an opportunity to join hands and demonstrate the seriousness with which the dairy industry perceives this pandemic, and the industry’s commitment to support South Africa’s battle against COVID-19. The MPO firmly believes that our industry has
one of the best products, namely milk to support this endeavor.

Looking forward to your feedback on or before Friday 24 April 2020.

Warm regards
Colin Wellbeloved
Chair: MPO Board of Directors