Attendees pictured at a conference for raw milk suppliers held by Yili Group on March 13 [Photo/Yili Group]

China's leading dairy company Yili Group launched a new program to improve milk quality during a conference for raw milk suppliers held on March 13.

The group announced that it would invest 200 million yuan ($29.8 million) in improving the breeding of dairy cows and offer technical support to partners in their efforts to improve quality.

A fund of 200 million yuan will also be set up to award raw milk suppliers that utilize advanced technologies in their production systems. 

For many years, the dairy giant has operated three separate programs for its suppliers –– each offering advice on cutting costs and increasing productivity, as well as feeding methods and management.  

Last year, Yili helped its suppliers increase their milk yield by 0.7 kilograms and reduced costs for cow breeding by 0.06 yuan per kg.

As a leading dairy company, Yili has established good working relationships with its suppliers, setting an example for other Chinese dairy firms, said Professor Li Shengli, a top dairy scientist.  

Liu Yaqing, secretary-general of the Dairy Association of China confirmed Yili's efforts to promote the development of China's dairy industry.

Yili has made remarkable achievements in building centers for milk production over the past few years and promoted the cow breeding industry in Hohhot, said Hao Zhixun, deputy director of Hohhot agricultural and rural bureau.

Xu Ke, vice-president of Yili Group promised that Yili would continue its efforts to work with its partners, helping to revitalize the industry across the country. 

The conference, organized by Yili Group has been held for the past two years, attracting renowned experts in the dairy industry from home and aboard.

It is considered part of the group's strategy to establish a platform for exchanging ideas and experience with industry partners.