Encouraging signs

The news that most processors will not stand on their 1 August price drop is a good one. This week, Wiseman, Arla, First Milk and Dairy Crest all rescinded the cuts that would have taken place that date, much to everyone’s relief. However, as the Wiseman statement points out, “We welcome whole industry recognition of the difficulties facing farmers and the acknowledgement that fresh milk processors, even those that are as efficient and well invested as Wiseman, are under severe financial pressure.”

Just because the immediate crisis has been averted, doesn’t mean that the underlying problems haven’t gone away. It is an encouraging sign, however. Let’s hope the airy industry continues to build on the recent progress so that everyone in the supply chain can have a fair margin with which to operate and do business.