Raw milk collection in Ireland: insights into the challenges facing the industry
ISSN: 0007-070X
Article publication date: 4 January 2022
Issue publication date: 1 November 2022
Abstract
Purpose
This paper provides insights into national practices used to schedule, collect and manage the transportation infrastructure of raw milk by Irish processors.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was designed and distributed to 14 processors, collecting details regarding suppliers, seasonality, costs per litre, planning, processing sites and emissions related to milk collection.
Findings
Irish raw milk transportation costs €95 million per annum, with an average weighted cost of 1.1 cents per litre. Primary route clustering of suppliers is based on farm location. Typically, collections employ forty-eight-hour rotas. Just three of the processors reported transportation emissions data. A disjointed approach to the adoption of scheduling and transportation technology was revealed.
Research limitations/implications
Given the broad scope of the survey covering financial, operational and environmental aspects of milk collection, it was challenging to find a single representative such as a transport manager who could be tasked with responding to the entire survey. Future research may consider a more focused interview-based approach with the various stakeholders to provide a more in-depth analysis.
Practical implications
Processors can gain an improved understanding of diversified milk collection methods. The research supports policymakers in considering environmental issues related to milk transportation. Costs could be reduced if transportation was better managed collectively with benefits accruing to the industry, suppliers and wider rural community. Stakeholders will need to address aspects of responsibility concerning environmental issues going forward.
Social implications
In this paper the authors recognise the environmental cost of milk collection. By improving the transportation infrastructure, this will have a positive impact on society in general.
Originality/value
The paper highlights the unique challenges and extends present knowledge in relation to milk collection; thus, this paves the way for new approaches to raw milk transportation.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the various dairy processors and individual staff who took part in this research. Furthermore, the authors would like to acknowledge Dairy Industry Ireland (DII), Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC), and the Irish Central Statistics Office (CSO) for their support and assistance throughout this research. Finally, a special mention must be given to the anonymous referees for their helpful comments on early versions of this paper.
Citation
O'Callaghan, S., O. Connor, D. and Goulding, D. (2022), "Raw milk collection in Ireland: insights into the challenges facing the industry", British Food Journal, Vol. 124 No. 11, pp. 4024-4037. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-05-2021-0499
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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