A fresh scheme to export pasteurised milk to the African sub-continent is well-underway following several years of development.

The Scottish Dairy Growth board are aiming to export £150m worth of fresh, Scottish-produced pasteurised milk by 2030 as a way of expanding the national dairy sector into global markets.

For the last 12 months the board has been developing plans, with chair Paul Grant stating that real progress has been made.

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Discussions between the Scottish Dairy Growth Board and Morocco’s largest agricultural and food processing company are quickly developing. It would be the first of several planned destinations for Scottish milk produce.

Talking on the justification for the initiative Mr Grant said: “The impact of climate change in those countries where annual water scarcity is a reality has led to real interest from dairy processing companies in the supply of fresh milk.

"Scotland, with its sustained water availability, grass-feeding for its dairy cows and milk growth potential, perfectly fits this supply situation."

The board has also identified potential future markets in Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, and the Middle East. Holland and southern Europe have also confirmed interest.

Due to its free-market trading position Morocco has been identified as the first target for this pasteurised milk, which would incur no quotas or tariffs.

Using temperature-controlled containers, the milk would be shipped from Grangemouth via Antwerp to Casablanca, with Mr Grant also suggesting Rotterdam as a transport link while speaking at the AgriScot dairy conference.

In order to execute this new initiative significant investment would have to be made in a suitable pasteurisation plant in Scotland, as well as in a milk concentration plant on the same site to provide a longer shelf life and ensure a competitive price for producers.

The changes to UK milk contract regulations will allow British dairy farmers, under certain conditions, to expand their network of customers which would make this new scheme viable without damaging previously set agreements.

Mr Grant said this would ensure that the growth opportunity in Morocco could be fulfilled and sustained in the years ahead.

He said: “We will undertake a static container test on a Scottish dairy farm by early next year and this will be followed by a shipping trial to potential customers during the first half of 2025. We expect regular trading to begin in early 2026.

“The fresh milk destined for Morocco is not intended to substitute existing dairy farming there or its importation of milk powder, but to fulfil market growth opportunities or the introduction of new premium dairy products to stimulate the customer’s market."

Speaking at the AgriScot conference Mr Grant emphasised that this was an “exciting opportunity” for the dairy sector.