Sri Lankan dairy farmers recently met with ten New Zealand farmers in Gampaha to share knowledge, exchange ideas and discuss the challenges they face. 
The New Zealand farmers were visiting Sri Lanka as part of their role as Fonterra Shareholders’ Councillors – a group of farmers who represent the Co-operative’s 10,500 farmer shareholders. 

During a tour of Fonterra’s state-of-the-art Milk Chilling Centre in Gampaha, the New Zealand farmers shared their expertise with 25 local dairy farmers and their families, using photos of their farms in New Zealand to visually explain ways to improve dairy management, fodder cultivation and on-farm production.
Chairman of the Fonterra Shareholders’ Council, Duncan Coull, said that Fonterra has operated in Sri Lanka for around 35 years and is committed to helping develop the Sri Lankan dairy industry.

“Our farmers have worked in the dairy industry for many generations, so there is a wealth of knowledge that we’re able to share with Sri Lankan farmers to help them improve their dairy production here.

“This includes advice on how to improve milk quality, efficiency and animal welfare. The interactive session enabled us to get a better understanding about the conditions of local dairy farms in Sri Lanka and the challenges they face,” said Coull.

The New Zealand farmers also visited the Doranagoda School, located near Fonterra’s Gampaha milk chilling centre, to officially handover a new water and sanitation facility built as part of the Fonterra Grass Roots Fund, which supports the farming communities of Sri Lanka.

“Being able to support the development of the local industry and contribute to the wider community gives us immense pride as shareholders of Fonterra.
“The New Zealand dairy industry has been built on the foundation of cooperation, innovation and collaboration, and visits like these help bring it all to life in the countries where we operate,” said Coull.

Leon Clement, Managing Director of Fonterra Brands Sri Lanka said it was great for the New Zealand farmers to be able to share their knowledge and bring their expertise to Sri Lanka.
“In Sri Lanka we’re focused on assisting Sri Lankan farmers to grow their milk supply, and hearing first-hand from New Zealand farmers about dairy best practices will help to develop the industry here,” added Clement.