Delegation visits producers and processors dealing with similar challenges half a world away.

To deepen their understanding of sustainable dairy practices, a Spanish delegation of agricultural and retail leaders travelled to New Zealand.

Led by farmer directors and the CEO of the Spanish co-operative COVAP, along with representatives from Mercadona, a prominent supermarket chain, the group’s mission was to exchange ideas and experiences with NZ processors and farmers.

The tour, facilitated by Alltech, a leading player in sustainability programmes, aimed to provide firsthand insights into sustainable dairy farming practices and their implementation.

With dairy sustainability forming a cornerstone of COVAP’s branding and market strategy on the Iberian peninsula, the delegation sought to glean valuable lessons from NZ’s dairy industry, known for its efficiency and sustainability.

“COVAP and Mercadona travelling together is a testimony to their strong working relationship. Mercadona recognises that their success depends on the success of their producers,” Alltech sustainability insights manager Nigel Meads said.

“The business model is integral to their sustainability story, and they shared their approach with New Zealand businesses while they were here.”

One of the primary objectives of the visit was to engage directly with NZ dairy farmers to understand how sustainability is achieved on the ground. They visited several dairy farms during their week in NZ and talking with farmers allowed the delegation to witness real-world examples of sustainable practices and explore potential avenues for adaptation in the Spanish context.

The delegation’s discussions with processors and brand owners focused on various aspects of sustainability, including animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and economic viability. These conversations provided invaluable insights into the holistic approach adopted by NZ’s dairy industry towards sustainability, aligning closely with COVAP’s own sustainability objectives.

During their visit they noted the differences in market dynamics between Spain and NZ. Spain primarily focuses on domestic consumption, a lot different to how NZ is geared towards export, with a significant emphasis on value-added products.

Despite these differences, both countries face similar challenges, including succession planning, regulatory pressures and sustainability concerns.

The delegation also gained a deeper understanding of NZ’s unique dairy model, characterised by its co-operative structure and integrated supply chain.

The co-operative ethos resonated strongly with COVAP’s own mission, particularly as it operates in a region facing challenges such as water scarcity and limited forage availability.

The visit emphasised how interconnected global dairy markets are, showing that changes in NZ’s dairy sector affect markets worldwide, including Spain. The delegation recognised the importance of staying informed about global trends and best practices to navigate challenges and drive innovation in their home market.

Reflecting on the experience, members of the delegation expressed admiration for NZ’s dairy sector and its commitment to sustainability. They noted the importance of cross-cultural exchange in tackling shared challenges and driving positive change within the agricultural sector.

After a whirlwind week, the delegation returned to Spain armed with newfound insights and inspiration on their path to a more sustainable future for dairy farming.

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