Number of dairy farmers plummets

UK - Almost half the dairy farmers in the East Midlands have left the industry in the past 10 years, a National Farmers' Union (NFU) survey has revealed.

18 December 2006

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Falling milk prices have been blamed for more than 800 dairy farmers deciding to close their businesses.

Union officials said farmers in the region were spending £17m more on making milk than they were selling it.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said declining numbers was an ongoing issue.

Richard Hezlet, the NFU's regional director in the East Midlands, said: "...milk producers are being short-changed to the tune of £270m per year nationally and nearly £317m in the East Midlands.

Source: BBC News