Newly re-elected Chairperson Gideon Lamprecht highlighted the impact of cheap imports on the local industry:

'Gideon Lamprecht'

He also emphasised the need to adapt to change, saying one of the the biggest frustrations for the MPO is that producers are not adapting to changes in the economy and the country.

Some members raised questions around what the MPO actually does for its members, asking whether it is there to protect their interests.

CEO of the national MPO, Chris van Dijk, reassured members that the MPO is there for them:

'Chris van Dijk'

He has also urged producers to take control of their environment and realise that their dairy operation is a business, oven valued at multi-millions.

Meanwhile a delegation from the UKTI Agri-tech initiative was also present and told congress that innovation is key. Janet Bainbridge says South Africa and the UK have a lot to share with each other in taking agriculture forward:

'Janet Bainbridge'

Sabrina Dean/OFM News