Dairy UK launches industry election manifesto

The trade body said the document was designed to provide the next government with a blueprint for tackling the major challenges in the dairy sector.

It calls on the government to:

• promote British milk and dairy as nutrient-rich foods in a healthy and balanced diet;
• maintain a safe and secure dairy supply chain in the UK;
• guarantee an environment which facilitates growth and development in the industry.

‘Capital investment’​

“Our industry is a UK success story,”​ said Dairy UK chairman Billy Keane. “It employs in the region of 80,000 people and the capital investment by leading dairy companies has more than doubled over the last decade.​

“There are, however, a number of ways in which the government can step up support for British dairy products. It is important that the government recognises the nutritional qualities of dairy and encourages consumers to buy British.”​

Keane also said Dairy UK would like government to consider measures aimed at easing the burden of red tape around exports. These could include creating a one-stop shop for export health certification, plus introducing sympathetic planning laws and encouraging competitive energy costs.

‘Vital to Britain’s economy’​

Dairy UK ceo, Judith Bryans, said: “Dairy is vital to Britain’s economy, environment and diet and therefore it is clearly within the government’s interest to ensure that the industry is well-supported.​

“This manifesto will provide the new government with all the information it needs to make the right decisions on behalf of the dairy industry.” ​

Many UK dairy farmers have been struggling with plunging milk prices off the back of oversupply in the market over the past few months.

Controversy​

Müller Wiseman Dairies courted controversy earlier this month by cutting the price it paid its farmer suppliers​, while Dairy Crest announced it would freeze prices until July​ after March cuts.

Meanwhile, First Milk announced plans to delay payments to its dairy suppliers amid cash flow problems​.

The Dairy All-Party Parliamentary Group has confirmed plans to publish its report addressing the Sustainable Competitiveness of the British Dairy Industry​ on March 3.

Scotland’s rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead aims to launch a detailed dairy action plan to support Scottish dairy producers shortly. He has also pledged to introduce a Scottish dairy brand to help promote the industry​.