A MULTI-million pound new facility to drive innovation and sustainability in the dairy sector is set to open its doors near Dumfries next month.
Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) is leading the £8.7 million Dairy Nexus project, at the Barony campus, which is funded by the UK and Scottish Governments, as well as South of Scotland Enterprise.
It is part of the Borderlands scheme and the Barony was chosen as the site due to the region being a major dairy producer.
The Dairy Nexus will facilitate collaboration between researchers, advisors, farmers and businesses in the dairy sector to identify and solve real-world problems and take opportunities to improve productivity and sustainability.
The investment in the Dairy Nexus — which includes equipment to measure multiple aspects of dairy farm technical performance, supported by laboratories and meeting spaces — will provide a significant boost to the region’s capabilities for dairy innovation.
From fine-tuning dairy nutrition to improve the nutritional value of milk and the yield of cheese, to measuring the effect of genetic selection on cows’ methane emissions and understanding how different forage crops affect soil health and biodiversity, the Dairy Nexus is aiming to decarbonise the dairy sector.
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: “My priorities are focussed on working with partners to deliver sustainable growth in the Scottish economy and promoting Brand Scotland’s world famous food and drink larder.
“This exciting Dairy Nexus project -—backed by £4 million UK Government funding — is a great example of collaboration to find innovative solutions for boosting productivity, creating jobs and decarbonising the sector in the south of Scotland and beyond. I look forward to seeing this project help transform the dairy sector.”
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “The Scottish Government is investing £4 million in this project, supporting research and innovation to deliver a sustainable future for Scottish dairy farming.
“The Dairy Nexus is a great example of driving rural innovation to make the sector more productive as part of efforts to cut carbon emissions.”
Cllr Gail McGregor, leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, added: “Dairy Nexus is an exciting project that will both create new jobs and develop an industry that is so key to our region.
“Supporting business, innovation and skills is key to driving growth and prosperity and this development really builds on the expertise and infrastructure in Dumfries and Galloway.”
Professor Wayne Powell, principal of SRUC is delighted to see the Dairy Nexus moving a step closer to opening and said: “It encapsulates our mission to drive imaginative new ways of working between business, government, communities and universities to support a green recovery in remote and rural parts of Scotland.
“It will also support the work of the Digital Dairy Chain at Barony, which is focused on developing digital connectivity, stimulating research and new product development, supporting business growth and attracting talent and skills, across the region.”
