FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH: Milk conundrum

The milk conundrum has raised its head yet again! A sustainable solution is needed, but we’ve only seen stop-gap remedies. The main problem seems to be price. We’re expected to compete, on a far from level playing field, with subsidized products, both international  and regional.
In order to survive, the dairy has apparently had to expand into other products, many depending on imported inputs. So much so that while it was originally supposed to be a catalyst to the development of a local dairy industry, some have commented that it’s fast becoming just another warehouse part-owned by our oil-rich neighbour, doing what we seem to do best – import, add a little something, mark up and sell. 
I understand that a proposal put forward months ago, if implemented, would have averted the present crisis, but, as usual, the powers that be dragged their feet until the problem reached crisis proportions – just like the present national crisis.
The proposal sought a Government subsidy, enabling Pine Hill Dairy (PHD) to buy local fresh milk at a reduced price. That saving would be passed on to consumers. In addition, the new buying price to PHD would allow it to replace cheaper imported powder used in some products with fresh milk, saving close to US$1 million (BDS$2 million) annually in foreign exchange.
Furthermore, the subsidized price would create opportunities for export as the cost would now be more competitive in markets like Trinidad, where local production is subsidized. It was suggested that the subsidy could be financed through a cess on milk and milk substitute imports, as is done in Jamaica.
This seems like a win-win situation. Farmers would be paid a reasonable price for their milk; quotas would be expanded since Pine Hill could use local milk in other products like evaporated milk; consumers would pay less; Barbados would save foreign exchange on imports and earn foreign exchange from milk exports.
But far from implementing the proposal, apparently a decision was made to discontinue purchase of Pine Hill milk for the school meals programme. Thankfully, this was later said to be incorrect and the purchase of milk will continue. These “corrections” seem to be the norm for this Government.
Government must be congratulated on the idea of offering a part of welfare payment as milk vouchers. Apart from supporting dairying, this will help Barbadians prioritize since even those on welfare seem to spend on luxuries before necessities. Those who complain about the cost of milk seem to have no difficulty spending on cigarettes, gambling, hairstyles, alcoholic drinks, sweet drinks and other luxuries and unhealthy practices.
Another problem is misguided consumers. I was shocked, while helping my relatives sell their milk at a farmers market, at how many people said they didn’t drink milk because it would raise their cholesterol or make them fat. But they continue to eat all the fatty and salty fast foods everyday. Then there’s the claim that many Barbadians are lactose intolerant. Well, Pine Hill is now offering an excellent lactose free milk, so that can no longer be an excuse.
As Senator Henry Fraser noted recently: “Milk is an essential staple in a healthy diet . . . Milk contains not just protein and calcium, key nutrients, but many other vitamins, minerals and substances like linoleic acid that are linked to many health benefits. And research shows it’s the best post workout drink for building muscle.”
But where is the National Commission on Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases in all this? Couldn’t it assist with a nationwide campaign encouraging the use of fresh milk and other healthy foods? As Senator Fraser says, there must be an organized promotion of healthy nutrition and obviously greater consumption of milk and milk products is a must.
But, amidst the problems, dairy farmers must be applauded for their response to the reduction in milk quotas by producing their own brands as well as new flavoured milks.
Finally, isn’t it conflict of interest for the same company to represent Pine Hill and its Trinidadian competitor Nestle? And is it a coincidence that Trinidad is apparently ramping up its dairy industry while ours seems headed for extinction?
• Dr Frances Chandler is a former Independent senator.