Milk price rise must kick-start government action to help farmers, warns Plaid Cymru

 Llyr Gruffydd said that the Welsh Government needed to act now to strengthen the market
Llyr Gruffydd said that the Welsh Government needed to act now to strengthen the market

The Welsh Government must use the slight increase in milk prices to kick-start action to help farmers, Plaid Cymru’s Llyr Gruffydd has said.

After a period of declining milk prices, First Milk has announced that it will increase its September prices by up to 1.25ppl, Muller also today confirmed a rise of 1pp from October 1st.

However milk producers are still not receiving sustainable prices for their produce.

Roddy Catto, Chairman of the Muller Milk Group farmer Board said: "Whilst there remains a long way to go before farmers' milk prices recover to a level which is sustainable, this is an important first step and acknowledgement that the markets are looking more positive."

Llyr Gruffydd said that the Welsh Government needed to act now to strengthen the market.

He called on the Welsh Government to appoint an Industry Champion to promote Welsh food and farming and to ensure that the Groceries Supply Code of Practice is implemented fully.

Encourage companies to stock Welsh produce

Plaid Cymru’s Llyr Gruffydd AM said: "Welsh dairy farmers are facing the toughest market conditions around, and whilst we welcome the small increase in First Milk’s prices, farmers are still producing milk at a loss.

"The Welsh Government needs to act now, and it can use this small rise as a kick-start.

"Plaid Cymru has always warned that the role of the Groceries Code Adjudicator was too restricted which meant that it couldn’t protect dairy farmers properly.

"We have called on the government to work with farming unions and business representatives to draw any abuse of the code to the Adjudicator’s attention.

"A Plaid Cymru government would also appoint an Industry Champion to promote Welsh food and farming with major retailers and processors.

"We want to go out and encourage companies to stock Welsh produce as part of a national campaign to celebrate responsible business.

"Farmers are facing the most difficult of times, particularly in light of Brexit, and it’s high time that the Welsh Government acts to support the dairy industry. It can use this price increase as a head start, but the industry desperately needs government support."