NFU praises investment by First Milk in securing dairy jobs

The NFU has praised the move by First Milk to open a new creamery in Scotland The investment will secure the future of 40 dairy farms and around 100 jobs.

Farmer business First Milk has announced its plans today to replace the existing Campbeltown creamery which is supplied by 42 dairy farms in Kintyre.

NFU dairy board chairman Gwyn Jones said: "After the collapse of Dairy Farmers of Britain last month today’s news from First Milk of its investment in this new creamery is very welcome indeed.

"This business is worth around £11 million a year to the local economy and without its replacement the future prospects of those dairies supplying the business looked bleak.

"However, this is a step in the right direction and comes after what has been a very tough time for the industry. I’m hopeful this sends positive signals to the rest of the dairy supply chain. By paying farmers a fair price for their milk money can be used to reinvest in businesses and secure the future supply of British milk. This has to be in everyone’s best interests."