SCOTTISH business The Ethical Dairy is launching a series of events to raise awareness of its “cow-with-calf” dairy processing model.

The events started with the farm hosting 40 researchers and scientists last week. The group visited as part of the Dairy-4-Future EU Interreg Atlantic Area funded project which brings together representatives from the dairy sector in the Atlantic Area of Western Europe to share on-farm innovation. The visit, which included researchers from Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal and the UK, was organised by SRUC’s [Scotland’s Rural College] Dairy Research Centre in Dumfries and explored issues around sustainability, consumer engagement, adding value and the financial repercussions of transitioning to a new farming model.

Farmer David Finlay who led the visit said: “Naturally what we’re doing is a radical departure from traditional models of dairy farming, and we are well aware that this approach is not for everyone. Nevertheless, it was very interesting and thought provoking to host a visit from fellow dairy innovators, and I enjoyed the questions that were asked.”

“We are at an interesting crossroads where our industry practices are in the spotlight like never before, and this is happening at the same time as political machinations, changes to subsidy regimes and the impact of climate change, which will lead to fundamental changes in the way we farm and produce food. We are not saying that we have ‘the’ answer by any means, but perhaps we have ‘an’ answer.”

Paul Hargreaves of the SRUC Dairy Research and Innovation Centre, said: “Innovation is more important than ever to ensure the sustainability of the dairy industry. Forward thinking farms such as The Ethical Dairy provide working solutions to how dairying can evolve in the future and provided stimulating ideas for the researchers from the western Atlantic area of Europe.”

Senior politicians and policy makers have also visited The

Ethical Dairy over the past week to explore post Brexit rural support models, and David and Wilma Finlay have also launched a series of talks and tours for interested members of the public.

Taking place every Saturday in July and August, the Sustainable Food: Building the Biome events explore food production debates, including the ecological approach to farming adopted at The Ethical Dairy and the wider political drivers that are fuelling the intensification of agriculture. Events are free of charge but booking is required.

Wilma Finlay said: “Our decision to try cow-with-calf dairy farming has been heavily influenced by looking at our farm through the eyes of our visitors at Cream o’ Galloway, and by listening to the questions members of the public ask on our farm tours.

“Since we launched The Ethical Dairy brand we have been inundated with requests for detailed information, so these in-depth talks and tours are our response to that.”