RDPE grant to create jobs at Cornish dairy

Cornwall’s dairy sector was given a boost this week with the news that Trewithen Dairy - third largest buyer of milk in the county - is about to embark on a major expansion.

With the aid of a record £5.7 million grant from the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE), Trewithen is set to increase its production by 80 per cent from 25 million litres of milk a year to 44 million - more than 80 per cent from direct supply farms.

The phased expansion will take place over four years and see the dairy, at Greymare Farm, near Lostwithiel, create 40 new jobs and increase its production capacity for fresh milk, clotted cream and butter milk. It also plans to move into the production of soft cheese and to develop other products.

The expansion programme will include a larger processing area, improved infrastructure and purpose-built new offices and staff facilities, which will replace temporary accommodation. There will also be major investment in equipment and staff training aimed at further improving the quality of products and service. The project also includes the creation of a Farm Liaison Manager post specifically to build effective relationships with suppliers and to focus on building the quality and consistency of supply.

South West RDA Board member Nick Buckland said: “Trewithen Dairy’s plans offer an extremely important boost for the Cornish dairy sector. They are totally in line with the objectives that we are working to achieve through RDPE investment in the County and will further reinforce the significance of food and farming for Cornwall’s economy."