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PHD & farmers working more synergistically

November 15, 2023

For the second time in the last 12-months PINE Hill Dairy, this country’s lone milk processor, has announced a 5% increase on the Farm Gate price paid to its Dairy Farmers for their raw milk effective October 1, 2023. Announcing the increase to the Dairy Farmers at last month’s scheduled quarterly meeting, Shafia London Country Manager, advised the Farmers “while we too at PINEHILL are facing challenges of rising costs in our operation, our management team continues to implement plans to place our business on a more sustainable path; we firmly believe that this price adjustment to the Dairy Farming community is both timely, and fair”. The Country Manager also confirmed that the Quality First Program, an incentive program offering financial inducement to Farmers for meeting quality parameters introduced in 2022, will be retained.

This is just one further PINEHILL Dairy initiative intended to support its farming community. In addition to the 2022 5% increase on the Farm Gate price and the introduction of its Quality First Program, PINEHILL has also introduced a small loans (low interest) program to assist farmers in enhancing their farm operations, and the Company is about to roll-out a bulk feed purchase program to provide discounted feed to the individual farms. Members of the Company’s management team also form part of a government led Dairy Committee – including members of key ministries, farmers representatives, and PINEHILL – that has written and submitted a paper to Government to assure the long-term sustainability of the local farming industry.

Ms. London expressed her appreciation over the strengthened partnership with the dairy farmers stating, "The management & staff of Pine Hill Dairy wish to extend our appreciation to you for your continued commitment and dedication in supplying us with high-quality raw milk. Your partnership has been integral to the success of the PINEHILL Dairy over the years, and we appreciate your contributions to our shared journey."

The President of the Barbados Dairy and Beef Association, Annette Beckett, also shared her organization’s appreciation for these collaborative efforts, remarking, "The improved dialogue and on-going support from the PINEHILL team is greatly valued by our farming community, especially at this tough time with respect to increased operational expenses leading to decreased production of milk. There have been initiatives implemented where we can improve the infrastructure of our farms, and dialogue with Government to look at ways to assist the farmers with fodder, equipment and purchase of cows. As an association we truly appreciate the enhanced level of dialogue and cooperation we now share with our colleagues at the Dairy”.