Support our dairy farmers

In a press statement released on Friday, 18 September, Nigel Lok, newly elected chairman of the MPO, urged consumers and other stakeholders in the dairy value chain to support South African dairy farmers.

Lok stated, “Farm-gate prices for milk have fallen drastically by 15 to 20% per litre. Exceptionally good climatic conditions in the Eastern and Southern Cape have led to national production growth of 10% up to August. Production will decrease sharply owing to lower prices, along with rising input costs, maize in particular.”

In addition, perceived potential shortages led to the import of 89 million litres of milk this year. Lok said, “We appeal to milk and dairy consumers to support local dairy farmers by buying South African products. Consumers will benefit from short-term discounted prices as a result of the supply situation.”