Dairy Nexus

Driving innovation and sustainability in the Borderlands dairy sector

Dairy Nexus, led by SRUC, is a transformational project supporting innovation, productivity, and sustainability in the dairy industry, a key part of the regional economy. The Borderlands is home to four major processors and around 50 artisan producers, employing 1,350 people and adding value to milk collected from some 980 farms across the region.

Launched in April 2025, Dairy Nexus brings together researchers, advisors, farmers, and businesses to tackle real-world challenges and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, decarbonise production, and enhance product quality. The investment includes laboratories, meeting spaces, and state-of-the-art equipment to measure multiple aspects of dairy farm performance.

Key facts

Project title: Dairy Nexus
Location: Dumfries and Galloway
Theme: Supporting Business, Innovation and Skills
Project lead: SRUC
Total project value: £9.7 million
Funded by: £8 million Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal
Project delivery timescales: 2024–2025
Status: Completed

What the programme will deliver

A state-of-the-art 959m² Dairy Nexus facility designed to support research, testing and collaboration across the dairy sector. The facility will create a dedicated space for farmers, researchers and businesses to work together to improve productivity, efficiency and sustainability within the industry.

Through this collaboration, the programme will support research into key areas including dairy nutrition, genetic selection, forage management, soil health and biodiversity, helping to drive innovation and improve long-term environmental and economic outcomes.

In addition, the programme is expected to deliver wider economic benefits, including indirect support for 739 jobs across the Borderlands over 25 years and an estimated £57 million GVA contribution at Borderlands level, strengthening the role of the sector within the regional economy.