Orkney Dairy Farms Receive Cash Injection to Address Milk Shortage Amid Workforce Exodus

By August 2024, the decline in local dairy production had become so pronounced that Tesco’s Kirkwall store had to discontinue the sale of Orkney-produced milk due to supply shortages.

In response, Orkney’s development and infrastructure committee has endorsed the Orkney Dairy Support programme, which aims to provide financial assistance to remaining dairy farms. The funds will be used to implement modern efficiency measures, helping to stabilize milk supplies and reduce the sector’s carbon footprint.

Despite the council's efforts, the total funding available remains uncertain, as it is contingent on match funding from partner agencies. Graham Bichan, managing director of the Orkney Creamery, explained that the industry’s crisis stems largely from the retirement of aging farmers, leading to fewer farms and, consequently, reduced milk supply for local businesses.

“The shortage has forced us to scale back operations and drop some customers due to insufficient milk supply,” Bichan stated.

Tesco’s Kirkwall store manager, Matthew Johnstone, confirmed that the supermarket could no longer stock Orkney milk due to the limited availability, a move that reflected the broader supply challenges facing the island.

With this new financial injection, Orkney hopes to revitalize its dairy sector and ensure the long-term sustainability of its local milk supply.