Fonterra to build chilling centre in Gampaha

A chilling centre will be built by Fonterra Brands Sri Lanka in Gampaha as part of its commitment to develop the local dairy industry.

The chilling centre will enable Fonterra to begin milk collection and support 200 local milk farmers, Fonterra Brands Sri Lanka, Managing Director Leon Clement said. “We are focused on improving the local dairy industry. We see Sri Lanka as a profitable market. We hope to improve milk quality, increase collection and accessibility in Gampaha,” he said.

It is necessary to introduce modern technology to the dairy industry while farmer education and model farms could also support the growth of the industry.

The chilling centre will also help bring expertise on sustainability to the area.

It will include laboratory facilities allowing Fonterra to work with local dairy farmers to help improve the quality and quantity being produced.

It will also act as a meeting place for farmers where they can attend training sessions with international dairy experts.

The company is actively working to increase farmer income and support local communities.

“As a farmer owned co-operative we are built on generations of dairying expertise and our focus is on sharing this knowledge with local dairy farmers through our programs delivered by a dedicated team of dairy experts,” Clement said.“These experts will work with farmers to improve milk production and quality, ultimately leading to improved income for farming families,” he said.

“Initiatives of this nature are aimed at growing and developing the local dairy industry and we have plans to significantly step up our contribution.

"This includes investing in model farms, increasing our investment in farmer-education and development programs and increasing local milk collection,” Clement said.“We are committed to provide nutrition education and support projects that enrich the quality of life in communities where we collect milk,” he said adding that a part of this is the launch of the Fonterra Grassroots Fund which provides funding for community projects that will have a positive social, economic or environmental impact on local dairy communities.

- SJ