RDP project database
Increased Co-operation in the Maltese Dairy Sector
Summary
Use of EAFRD support to greatly improve co-operation between two major players in the Maltese dairy sector thereby leading to better infrastructure, increased productivity, improved product quality and enhanced competitiveness.
Background
An increasing need has been felt in the Maltese Dairy Sector for higher levels of cooperation between the Milk Producers Cooperative and Malta Dairy Products Ltd. - the dairy processing plant. This project brings together expertise in nutrition, and feed mill engineering and processes with the aim of finding the right ration balance for dairy cows.
Objective
The project has two aims: 1) To develop higher quality feeds for cows leading to better milk yields and milk quality, better feeding efficiency and ultimately a healthier product for the end consumers, and; 2) To improve the economic viability and competitiveness of the Maltese dairy sector.
Main activities
Activities have included: i) the collection of 66 feed/forage samples per year; ii) feed Milling and Nutrition Consultancy in order to assess current processes as well as providing recommendations for product quality improvements; iii) Milk Producers Cooperative, with the help of feed mill specialists, devising processes and technologies to determine the chemical composition and nutritional value of foodstuffs, and; iv) acquisition of specialised equipment for research and laboratory analysis.
Results & Benefits
New technologies and improved processes for laboratory analysis have developed all aspects of quality control. This has helped the feed manufacturer in several ways such as predicting the nutritional values of fed ingredients and feed, avoiding contaminants, detecting impurities, and acquiring accurate data on feed ingredient composition. The overall benefit of the project will be improving the economic viability and competitiveness of the dairy sector in Malta.
Lessons learnt
An increase in the level of co-operation between the Milk Producers Cooperative and Malta Dairy Products can lead to the development of more efficient processes, resulting in higher quality dairy products and an improved competitiveness for the local dairy sector.
Project location and other information
Marsa, Malta
Region
Malta
RDP Territory
Malta
Total project cost (€)
182 029
EAFRD contribution (€)
81 913
National contribution (€)
27 304
Private contribution (€)
72 812
Contact name
Mr. Carmel Fenech B. Sc, Chief Operations Manager (Nutrition)
Telephone
+356 212 34592 and +356 993 71860
Languages for contact
English, Maltese
At a glance
Country
Malta
Final beneficiary type
Other
Budget range
€100 000 - €500 000
Start date:
01/09/2010
End Date:
30/09/2013
Theme / Measure:
Competitiveness of Agriculture & Forestry
Restructuring, developing physical potential, and promoting innovation
124: Cooperation for development of new products, processes and technologies
Keywords:
Added-value, Animal foodstuff, Quality control, Competitiveness , Cooperation
Last update
25/02/2013