More and more young people dare to invest in milk production, says both Arla and the National Farmers’ Association.
They believe that stable settlement prices and increased political support have given the industry future faith.
– It feels both fun and exciting and a little nervous, says young dairy farmer Patrik Veithoefer in Tidaholm.
Patrik Veithoefer actually studied for sellers, but after a late summer at the old family farm he decided to invest. Together with his brother Stefan, he then manages this summer, which is now run for fifth generation, side by side with their father.
– It feels like a responsibility that lies on the shoulders. My grandfather’s grandfather came here when the farm was not much for the world, so it is both exciting and a little nervous, says Veithoefer.
Increased future faith
According to LRF, the belief in the future among Sweden’s dairy farmers has risen by 60 percent since 2022. This is mainly explained by improved support from politicians, society at large and more stable settlement prices. In addition, you see more young people who dare to enter milk production.
– There are many more young people who come at our member meetings. We also see brand new people who buy or lease farms to start milk production, says Inger-Lise Sjöstrom, chairman of LRF Milk Delegation. – So yes, clearly there are signals that interest has increased.
Stronger support for Swedish products
Demand for Swedish dairy products has also increased, Veithoefer believes. He still thinks that many consumers should be better at buying, for example, Swedish cheese.
– Nationally in Sweden, we have probably realized how important it is to become more self -sufficient in food. I feel that the consumer is happy to pay for Swedish products, but we can still be better at choosing Swedish cheese. Swedish cheese is absolutely fantastic.