Make A Difference In The Welsh Dairy Industry

UK - Dysfunctions in the dairy supply chain could be addressed if the devolved administrations and the UK Government give the European Commission’s Dairy Package proposals its full backing, says National Farmers' Union (NFU) Cymru.
calendar icon 24 February 2011
clock icon 2 minute read
National Farmers Union

Following the High Level Group on Milk’s response to the Commission which recognised that certain measures are needed to prepare the dairy sector ahead of abolition of quotas in 2015, NFU Cymru has written to Wales’ Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones, calling on her to put extra pressure on the UK Government to influence the measures proposed.

NFU Cymru President Ed Bailey said: “Providing the EU Commission receive the backing of the UK Government the measures proposed are certainly promising and have the potential to benefit Welsh dairy farmers and I hope that the UK Government engages and listens to the views of devolved administrations so that our views are fairly reflected.

“NFU Cymru has specifically asked the Minister to put pressure on the UK Government to make use of compulsory written contracts between farmers and dairy companies to eliminate unreasonable contractual practices regarding milk pricing and variation of contracts. We have also asked for a contractual code of practice that highlights best and worst practice in relation to raw milk contracts; standard template contracts; champion dedicated retail supply chains and to investigate the possibility of producing more transparent information on the distribution of margins in the supply chain - all crucial matters for the Welsh dairy sector.

“By acting on the EU Commission’s proposals for changes to milk contracts and producer bargaining power the UK Government has an unique and powerful opportunity to help address the dysfunctions in the dairy supply chain. They really do have a golden opportunity to make a difference to the future of the Welsh dairy industry.

“In the meantime for our part NFU Cymru will continue to lobby Welsh MPs and MEPs as well as the Welsh Assembly Government. We will also maintain our work to unravel what is going on in our dairy sector. We will continue to engage with retailers and processors to push for better farm gate prices, better contracts and better behaviours that won’t leave Welsh dairy farmers disadvantaged.”

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