RABDF expresses concern over Dairy UKs leadership change

The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers has expressed concern over Dairy UK"e;s leadership change. Appointing Dairy Crest chief executive, Mark Allen as chairman to succeed David Curry MP could bring to an end this all industry organisation, it says.

"Dairy UK was launched four years ago to replace DIAL, the dairy processors and manufacturers"e; organisation," comments RABDF chairman, Lyndon Edwards. "Dairy UK"e;s objectives were to bring together for the first time all sectors of the industry, to collectively develop the market and the overall dairy business, and in turn, achieve a sustained improvement to producer milk price. Despite some initial failings, it has more recently achieved some positive outcomes.

"Sir Don Curry, succeeded in the chair by David Curry together brought unique and independent expertise to the table, yet electing a representative from the processing sector goes against that spirit of working for the best for all parties, both farmers and processors.

"We believe that Dairy UK must think very carefully about its future decision making otherwise it is in growing danger of retrenching into DIAL as a processor organisation. The decision does not bode well for the dairy farming sector at a time when it has never been more important to work together." He adds: "While I believe that the new chair should be given the benefit of the doubt, it"e;s over to members of Dairy UK"e;s Dairy Farmers"e; Forum, to get together, strengthen their representations and ensure those views are taken in to account by Dairy UK"e;s board."