First Milk welcomes Tesco cheese payment

First Milk has confirmed a recent announcement that Tesco will be paying its Tesco Sustainable Dairy Group base price to more farmers supplying milk for its cheese.

Farmers will now receive a Tesco winter supplement relating to the period 31 August through to the end of February 2016. First Milk produces cheese for Tesco and other companies at is Haverfordwest creamery in West Wales.

The move by Tesco on the cheese they purchase from Haverfordwest creamery will directly benefit the farmers who supply the site. The Tesco winter supplement will be itemised separately on farmer’s monthly milk statements.

Mike Gallacher, First Milk’s CEO, explains, “Tesco has a strong track record in supporting British dairy farmers and we warmly welcome this move on cheese. It allows us to directly pass on the benefits to First Milk farmers who supply the milk that produces Tesco’s cheese. This move will be valued by all dairy farmers and British consumers.”

Sir Jim Paice, First Milk’s chairman, adds, “Tesco’s leadership here is a very significant step in building greater sustainability within the production of high quality British cheese and the dairy farmers, who produce it.

“British consumers have demonstrated their support for farmers across Britain who are receiving less than the cost of production for their milk. While we are working with others to address this situation, the move by Tesco on cheese demonstrates the difference that can be made by a company who quickly steps up to the mark and takes effective action.”