NFU statement following dairy roundtable

Following today’s industry-wide roundtable hosted by Defra Secretary of State Elizabeth Truss to look at current issues in the British dairy sector, NFU President Meurig Raymond, said: “I would like to thank the Secretary of State for hosting today’s meeting which gave us an opportunity to discuss ways of helping dairy farmers across the country who are struggling to cope with the impact of current market volatility.

“The Secretary of State made clear that she will take forward many of our demands for immediate help such as looking at any overdue SPS payments and the ability to stagger tax payments and support from banks. We continue to believe that government should also look at addressing other important areas including lifting the EU intervention price and profit averaging over a longer period.

“In the short term a working group will be convened to look at all aspects of milk contracts, including implementing the recommendations of the Voluntary Code review and the need for more trust and transparency when it comes to milk buyers’ contracts with their suppliers. This group will also further explore the role of futures in the dairy sector.

“Longer term, Government will support the UK dairy industry in its ambition to reduce the trade deficit on dairy through encouraging and developing new markets for export.

“It was reassuring that everyone around the table today – Government, retailers, processors and banks - showed commitment and a desire to back British dairy farmers. What we need to see now is action to help those farmers through this difficult period.”