Dairy UK calls for help

Dairy UK has set out key measures that should be brought forward to alleviate the ‘real crisis’ facing the UK dairy industry. Dr Judith Bryans, chief executive of Dairy UK, explains, “Everyone in the industry is acutely aware of the situation farmers are in. It is a real crisis and it is one that is affecting processors too.

“There are a number of measures that could help the situation and the raising of the intervention price is key. We were surprised and disappointed that a review of the intervention price was not supported yesterday by the European Commission but we believe this could make a significant difference in the short and medium term. Dairy UK also told the committee that government assistance in arranging foreign trade visits to the UK should be stepped up as there is clearly room for improvement in the organisation of such visits.

“Dairy companies are spending around £150 million (€205.3m§) on brand promotion but if we want to promote and protect the underlying integrity of British dairy products that requires promotional funding from other sources,” she notes.

Policy and sustainability director at Dairy UK, Peter Dawson adds, “Defra should work closely with Dairy UK to access the increase in promotion funds announced as part of the Commissions support package. Every major manufacturer has an export strategy and the EU fund would act as a significant multiplier for industry promotion efforts.”