Four UK farming unions lay down challenge to the dairy industry

Picture: Representatives from the four UK farming unions meet in Pembrokeshire

The UK farming unions have laid down a challenge to talk up the UK dairy industry, following their joint meeting held recently at Haverfordwest Cheese Ltd, Pembrokeshire.

Hosting the meeting, NFU Cymru Dairy Board Chairman, Mansel Raymond said, "Across the UK, farmers' confidence is being knocked for six through a combination of drastic raw milk price reductions and the impending impact of environmental regulation, notably the Nitrates Action Plan in Northern Ireland.

"All four unions share very real concerns about the competitive position of the industry going forward, unless some positive market signals emerge soon."

The unions were unanimous in agreeing their concern at recent talk arguing that the UK dairy industry should downsize, suggesting this amounted to a 'dispersal sale of the UK dairy industry'. The unions were also supportive of the recent call by NFU Scotland challenging any advocate of downsizing to come up with evidence, based on other industries, where this has promoted long-term success.

Mr. Raymond added, "The four unions agree that farmers need to take greater control of their own destiny and get closer to consumers through vertical integration. On top of this, market developments in recent months have made it all the more essential that farmers are integral in driving forward the rationalisation of the UK dairy industry - without government imposing undue regulation - to ensure that we increase our competitive position in the EU dairy market."