NFU tells of frustration of farmers
The UK National Farmers Union dairy board chairman Rob Harrison has spoken of the frustration felt by many dairy farmers who are not currently getting a sustainable price for their milk when he addressed the Northern Dairy Conference. Reflecting on the past 12 months for the industry, Harrison says the frustration demonstrated in recent months was justified with dairy producers struggling to make ends meet.
“I am as angry and disappointed with the recent milk price cuts as everyone else here – it’s been a real kick in the teeth. Things are bad and we’re all going through some tough times. For the first time this month we have dropped below 10,000 dairy farmers in England and Wales and we can’t afford to lose too many more. I also know a number of farmers are on notice for next spring and I am in touch with all the main milk buyers to make it clear what is acceptable and what isn’t when it comes to contracts,” he says.
“The global market situation remains difficult, but there are things we can do to improve the situation although we need the government, UK processors, retailers and levy body to support our farmers in ensuring a long-term sustainable future for domestic milk production. In Brussels we’re continuing to lobby at all levels for better tools to support our farmers such as intervention and Private Storage Aid (PSA). Here in the UK we’re in regular contact with the banks to raise concerns and I urge all dairy farmers to do the same.
“There are positive things happening in processing. Making headroom in the UK retail market will get us through this period better than our close neighbours in Europe. To do this we need more processing capacity and investment here in the UK. This is starting to happen both in capital and in brands – look at Arla’s Aylesbury plant and Muller Wisemans’ new butter plant – this will help mop up the current excess volume.
“We will continue to push the retailers to stock more quality British dairy products including butter and yogurts. Alongside this, we know that the public already back British farming and we want them to continue to do so when they are choosing which dairy products to buy.
“The opportunities for dairying over the next decade look positive but we all know it won’t be a smooth ride. We need to make sure our farmers, whatever system they operate and whoever they supply, get through this difficult time and have the chance to be part of the thriving UK dairy industry that we all strive towards.”
