ANNUAL ORGANIC MILK SUMMIT TO EXAMINE FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY

15 August 2007

The Organic Milk Suppliers Cooperative (OMSCo) is to host the Annual Organic Milk Summit, at this year’s Dairy Event, for the second year running. Following on from the success of last year’s inaugural event, the forum taking place on 19 September will bring together a panel of representatives from across the industry to discuss the issues facing the sector. The summit will be chaired by the President of the NFU, Peter Kendall.

Entitled, Challenges and opportunities, the next three years for organic dairy, the event builds on the themes outlined in the Organic Milk Market Report published by OMSCo in March. It will create an opportunity for all areas of the organic dairy supply chain to come together and put forward their views on how to build a sustainable future for British organic dairy. The event will take place at the Wolfson Theatre, in the Warwick Conference at Stonleigh Park on19 September from 12.00pm – 1.00pm. Numbers are restricted - to book a place call Jane Williams at the OMSCo office on 01934 511115 or alternatively email: jane.williams@omsco.co.uk.

The panel of experts will include retailers, processors, manufacturers and farmers, as well industry bodies. Areas to be discussed include, how to balance supply and demand, the rising cost of production, how to ensure organic integrity at a time of under-supply and the need for organic conversions. There will be opportunities for the audience to pose questions to the panel.

Nicholas Saphir, OMSCo Chairman, comments, “Last year’s event was extremely very well received and allowed both panellists and audience members to share their views on the issues facing all of us. It really helped to develop a sense of cooperation throughout the organic dairy supply chain. “

Saphir continues, “The next three years will be very challenging for the organic dairy sector. Volatility of supply versus demand is still a key issue and we as an industry need to agree a long term strategy to handle this and ensure continued growth.”

OMSCo is the UK's leading and longest established organic dairy cooperative uniquely focused on the production and supply of organic milk. With nationwide membership, OMSCo now supplies the majority of organic milk produced in the UK, from milk fields offering the most cost effective collection. The result is the best blend of stability, efficiency and highest possible farm gate returns. OMSCo is dedicated to building a sustainable long term organic milk market in the UK – to the benefit of all.

Numbers for the forum are limited , to reserve a place contact Jane Williams at OMSCo on 01934 511115 or e-mail jane.williams@omsco.co.uk

Ends

For more information contact Emily Enright or Abby Richardson at Grayling PR on 0117 922 7799 or e-mail emily.enright@uk.grayling.com

Editors Notes:
Panellists confirmed to date are:
• Peter Kendall, President of the National Farmers Union (Chair)
• Emma Metcalfe-King, Senior Buyer – Milk, Butter & Spreads, Sainsbury’s
• Peter Walker, Director of Milk Buying & Ingredients, Arla
• Karl Tucker, Procurement Director, Yeo Valley Organic
• Helen Browning, Food & Farming Director, Soil Association
• Richard Simpson, Development Director, Kingshay Costings