The future of Barbados’ dairy industry could be in jeopardy.
Upset dairy farmers yesterday claimed a Pine Hill Dairy decision to drastically reduce the intake of local fresh milk from the island’s 40-plus dairy farmers could sound the death knell for this sector.
They made the projection as they emerged from a meeting with Pine Hill Dairy director Richard Cozier, at which they were told of a proposal to severely cut the intake of fresh milk following Government plans to cut back on purchases for the School Meals Department.
The move that would see Pine Hill Dairy collecting milk from the farmers every other week for three months beginning September was viewed as potentially destructive to the local dairy industry.
Cozier disclosed over 100 Pine Hill Dairy staff would be affected.