22 June 2009

2 minute read

The demonstration, organised by EU farming union COPA, is aimed at ministers attending the Agriculture Council. It hopes to raise awareness of the crisis facing the dairy sector across Europe as a result of low milk prices.

Joining the demonstration, NFU dairy board chairman Gwyn Jones said: "Dairy farmers across Europe are experiencing extremely difficult times with falling milk prices set against increased input costs.

"British milk prices have not fallen as much as prices elsewhere in Europe, but that's only because the weakness of sterling has offered us some insulation. However, the scale of the cuts we have seen means that many farmers are once again getting less for their milk than it costs them to produce it. British milk production has fallen dramatically over the past five years and is currently at its lowest point since the 1970s. There is no sign of this decline reversing any time soon. Understandably, in an increasingly volatile market place, farmer confidence is extremely low.

"This day of action shows the strength of feeling among our farmer members; dairying is a long-term commitment and we need to see this same commitment echoed throughout the supply chain. Increased profits seen by retailers and processors need to be passed down to the farm gate, not just in the UK but for the whole of Europe."

NFU livestock board chairman Alistair Macintosh will also be taking part in the demonstration to remind Agriculture Ministers of the strength of feeling against sheep EID which is set to have a devastating impact on the EU sheep industry.

"We have consistently opposed this regulation and are fully committed to working with other European organisations who share our concerns," he said.

"We are working hard to ensure steps are taken to limit the impact of sheep EID on the sector and to increase the flexibility of its implementation. We're also currently gathering the views of our members as part of a Defra consultation on this issue. For the sake of the future of the EU flock we need to find a satisfactory outcome."

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