Dairy Coalition Urges Price Cut to be Reversed

UK - The dairy coalition is calling for the urgent reinstatement of money taken away from farmers during the price cuts of May and June - and for evidence of progress from retailers who pledged more sustainable pricing models.

20 September 2012

2 minute read

Europe

This call comes just two weeks after SOS Dairy went to Livestock 2012 to maintain the pressure for a fairer sector.

The campaign has seen results including the rescission of milk price cuts planned for August, the launch of a ground-breaking voluntary code of practice which will help to redress the balance of power between milk processors and farmers, and the start of a dairy database to help likeminded farmers explore the formation of producer organisations.

As well as calling for historical price cuts to be paid back to farmers, the coalition of dairy organisations will also be scrutinising market movements to ensure rises are reflected in farm prices.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, NFU President Peter Kendall said: “It’s becoming increasingly apparent that some customers of dairy farmers are yet to be convinced of market dynamics.

“Rest assured, we will be writing to engage with those key players in the coming weeks to ensure that any market increases are reflected, as they should be, in the price paid to farmers.

“The coalition will continue to meet regularly with key processors and the food service industry to ensure they understand the cost pressures on farmers.”

The coalition includes including the NFU, NFU Cymru, NFU Scotland, FFA, the TFA, the WFU and the RABDF.