Asda to stock 'Farmers' Milk' to help NI's dairy farmers

Asda has announced that it is the first supermarket in Northern Ireland to sell Dale Farm Farmers’ Milk
Asda has announced that it is the first supermarket in Northern Ireland to sell Dale Farm Farmers’ Milk

Retailer Asda has announced that it will stock Dale Farm Farmers’ Milk, an initiative which gives its customers the option to pay 25p extra in support of local dairy farmers.

The initiative was developed after research revealed that 63% of consumers said they would willingly pay more for dairy products if they were assured the extra money goes back to farmers.

The Northern Ireland launch follows on from the success of a similar scheme in the rest of the UK where Asda has partnered with Arla, the farmer-owned dairy co-operative, to supply the ‘give a little back’ milk which has been well received by customers.

Ulster Farmers' Union Deputy President Ivory Ferguson said the launch of Dale Farm’s ‘Farmers’ Milk’ in Asda will provide a 'welcome boost' to local dairy farmers, as they enter the winter months when the cost of production is at its highest.

"Asda's decision to commit to offering two litres of milk with 25 pence added to the price, all of which will be returned to farmers through Dale Farm, is a big leap forward in recognising the true value of local dairy products,” Mr Ferguson said.

Mr Ferguson added that farmers have struggled for almost two years, producing milk below the cost of production: “This makes it all the more encouraging to see consumers being given the option to pay more, on the basis that the extra money goes back to farmers.