Transparency in origin labelling and improved branding are 'important for consumers' to be able to choose British producers as easily as possible.
Dr Judith Bryans, Chief Executive of Dairy UK, said: "The current global crisis is well beyond the control of dairy farmers and processors and all Ministers are aware that the whole industry is working in extremely difficult conditions.
"After an open exchange of views, it was agreed that transparency in origin labelling and improved branding were important for consumers to be able to choose British products as easily as possible.
"We were pleased to see that the Government is progressing the agenda on public procurement and is keen to support the industry on exports. Dairy UK also renewed its call for the EU Commission to raise the intervention price as we believe this is an urgently needed measure to ease the pressure on the sector.
"In the long term, we need a collaborative approach throughout the supply chain to develop a toolbox to handle the impact of volatility which, as we know, is now an inherent part of the milk market."
There was recognition that some of the issues facing farmers could only be tackled at EU level and there was agreement that the farm ministers would agree to present a united position representing all UK farmers at the emergency meeting in Brussels on 7th September.
The four UK farming union Presidents said: “We cannot allow the meltdown in the farming industry to continue. The Secretary of State and the devolved agricultural ministers have today acknowledged the threats facing the farming industry and the need for urgent action.
“Our farming members now expect to see these words followed up with visible, tangible actions. The ministers should be in no doubt that the time for talking is now over.
“Ahead of the emergency European farming summit in Brussels on 7 September all parties agreed today to work on, and agree, the UK demands that will be put in front of the European Agricultural ministers and the Commission.
“The UK farming union presidents once again stressed the importance of timely BPS payments and ministers all committed to do all they can to ensure this happens. These payments are going to be essential to the cash flow of many hard-pressed farms.
“In the immediate short term, we look to the retailers and food service companies to ensure they are treating their farming suppliers fairly. We believe they have a responsibility to ensure that there is a sustainable farming industry and they need to understand their vital role in this to guarantee their security of supply in the future.”
