At a time when the anger and frustration of dairy farmers with milk prices has been making headline news right across the UK, Simon Richards, Pembrokeshire NFU Cymru County Chairman, will use the Pembrokeshire County Show to highlight what actions he believes need to be taken to ensure milk producers in Pembrokeshire can survive into the future.
Simon Richards, a dairy farmer from Hasguard Cross, who supplies his milk to First Milk which is processed into cheese in the local factory in Haverfordwest, said, “The vast majority of the milk produced on Pembrokeshire dairy farms goes into cheese production. Whilst I commend retailers for some of the progress that has been made to develop dedicated supply relationships between dairy farmers and retailers for liquid milk, we desperately need to see greater focus on ensuring a fair and sustainable price for dairy farmers supplying the milk that goes into producing high quality Welsh cheese.
“Over the last decade we have seen a 31% drop in the number of milk producers in Wales and the number of dairy farmers in Wales continues to fall dramatically, with 52 milk producers exiting the industry since the start of the year.
"It’s clear that the savage milk price cuts of the last few months and general volatility in the dairy sector has seriously eroded the confidence and resilience of milk producers. Unless we see retailers step up to the mark and ensure that they pay a sustainable milk price to all their milk producers, then I fear a further exodus of dairy farmers, particularly in major milk producing areas such as Pembrokeshire. Any further decline in the numbers of dairy farmers will have a serious knock on effect to the wider rural economy in the county.”
Simon Richards continued, “The Welsh Government also has a part to play in working with Welsh dairy farmers to help ensure a fairer and more sustainable dairy industry going forward. It’s vitally important that the recommendations put forward by Andy Richardson, in his Independent Review of the Welsh Dairy Sector, are driven forward.
"Key amongst these are concluding the feasibility study to evaluate the potential of a market driven dairy processing facility in South West Wales to help provide a secure added value market for the future.
“The Welsh Government must also ensure that the next round of European Structural Funds, including the future RDP, is used wisely to encourage and facilitate improved primary milk production, dairy processing, product marketing and innovation in Wales. We also need to see both Welsh Government and Local Government public procurement services clearly stipulate that Welsh milk and dairy products are included in tenders to supply Welsh schools and hospitals and the wider public sector.”
Simon Richards ended, “Welsh dairy farmers have worked very hard to gain the respect and support of the public for great Welsh food and I’m grateful for the support that we’re getting from consumers during this difficult period – now we simply want and need a fair return for our investment and hard work.”
