Dairy Producers’ Association elects new leaders

ELLANIE SMITWINDHOEKAlthough the dairy sector is on the verge of collapse, the Dairy Producers’ Association (DPA) held its annual general meeting last week during which a new management team was elected.According to the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), the meeting reflected on the current circumstances the industry is facing, with only seven dairy producers that remain in the sector.The NAU says in-depth discussions took place as to what remedies could possibly save the industry.“All producers echoed the message – it is impossible to produce milk sustainably under current circumstances.”The union says the producer price per litre has remained stable since June 2017, while feed and other input costs have continued to increase.Namibian farmers currently receive less for their milk than the landed cost of imported milk from South Africa, the union added.Survival“Producers expressed their sadness as they bid farewell to an industry they have passionately supported for many years. The impact on the remainder of producers can already be seen.“The processor (Namibia Dairies) reconfirmed that the situation is dire and it is currently implementing various measures to save costs; among these are salary cuts.”Producers all reaffirmed that for the survival of the Namibian dairy industry, government support is an absolute necessity.The NAU said the Covid-19 pandemic has proven that it is no longer safe to rely on securing supplies of basic commodities from elsewhere. Local production is key and needs to be supported.“Without a local industry to compete, imported product prices will soar. Namibia needs to secure and grow its primary production so that it can supply sufficient raw materials to be used by the remainder of the value chain for value addition.”In 2019 raw milk production stood at 21 million litres, decreasing to 17 million litres in 2020, while expectations for 2021 predict around 12 million litres only.The new management elected consists of Dirk van Wyk (chairperson), Frikkie Duvenhage, Willie Aggenbach and Pieter van Wyk.

Dairy Producers’ Association elects new leaders

Comments

Namibian Sun 2026-06-10

Please login to leave a comment

Dairy Producers’ Association elects new leaders

Comments

Namibian Sun 2026-06-10

Please login to leave a comment

Subscription Required to Access Content ×

Login

Subscription Required to Access Content