Scottish Government Commence Dairy Consultation

SCOTLAND - A consultation on the implementation of the EU Dairy Package was launched by the Scottish Government today.
calendar icon 11 December 2012
clock icon 2 minute read

The EU Dairy Package regulations covers three main areas:

  1. Enabling milk producers to set up Producer Organisations. The intention is that this will be implemented on a UK-wide basis to give Producer Organisations formal recognition, enabling them to negotiate contracts, including the price for milk
  2. Giving Member States the option of making it compulsory for dairy processors to have written contracts with dairy producers. The Scottish Government does not intend to invoke this provision at this stage while the Voluntary Code of Practice is bedding in
  3. Enabling Inter-branch Organisations (IBOs) to seek recognition. IBOs can ensure transparency in a supply chain and help in promote best practices and improve market transparency. The Scottish Government does not intend to adopt this because similar organisations already exist which carry out several of the possible functions of IBOs

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said:“Scotland’s dairy farmers have been dealing with challenging situations in recent months, thanks largely due to volatility in the price paid to producers and outdated contractual arrangements.

“However, the EU Dairy Package is one of a number of positive developments we are seeing for the industry and this consultation will give those with an interest the opportunity to air their views on the implementation of the package.

Mr Lochhead firmly believes in the potential of the Scottish dairy industry and hopes the review of dairy strategy will develop ways to add value to dairy products and drive up both doemstic sales and export volumes.

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