The Indonesian dairy industry is growing. Yet, challenges remain. Currently, Indonesia is only able to meet 30% of its domestic demand for dairy products which indicates an opportunity for the dairy industry to increase its production. Pre-farm growth-limiting constraints are evident. Issues with forage availability and quality, low animal reproductive performance, poor mastitis management and milk quality are frequently cited as factors limiting farm production and profitability.

The interactions and agreements between government and industry stakeholders may also influence milk quality standards and testing, milk collection arrangements, pricing mechanisms and provision of technical support through to the farm level. Unfortunately, information post-farm gate is limited due limited research on this issue.

To provide research training, mentoring and experience for Indonesian researchers enhancing their ability to undertake dairy value-chain analysis, Global Food Studies researchers Associate Professor Wendy Umberger, Dr Risti Permani and Dr Dale Yi and Bogor Agricultural University team led by Dr Arief Daryanto and Dr Sahara recently organised a training workshop entitled “Capacity building for research: Promoting inclusive development of agricultural value chain” between 1 and 3 September 2014 at the IPB International Convention Centre, Bogor, Indonesia. Dr Brad Granzin from Australasian Dairy Consultants also presented at the workshop.

The workshop was attended by more than 30 invited participants from IPB as well as several government agencies including the Indonesian Centre for Agriculture Socio-Economic, and Policy Studies (ICASEPS), the Indonesian Centre for Animal Research and Development (ICARD) and the Indonesian Center for Horticulture Research and Development (ICHORD).

The workshop discussed a range of value chain analysis tools including mapping the value chain, governance and coordination, upgrading opportunities and analysis of costs and margins.

Workshop materials are available here.