The dairy industry’s needs must be recognised in British trade, labour and a domestic agricultural policy to ensure it remains competitive post-Brexit, urged the National Farmers Union (NFU).
Dairy farmers are set to lose more on the value of their milk in 2016/17 than in the previous 12 months, despite recent positive moves from processors to raise prices, an accountancy firm has revealed.
Food and drink manufacturers reported mixed trading updates this week. Soft drinks producer AG Barr, sausage casing manufacturer Devro and dairy company United Dairy Farmers all reported updates to sales.
Dairy industry representatives have welcomed the European Commission’s £362.5M (€500M) aid package for farmers but criticised its refusal to lift the intervention price.
Groceries code adjudicator (GCA) Christine Tacon should be able to enforce her decisions with fines and have her remit extended, according to Prime Minister David Cameron.
The UK’s food and drink industry must step up and support dairy farmers by driving consumer demand for milk and milk products with innovation, a prominent MP has urged.
Farmers For Action (FFA) has lashed out at retailers for not allowing price increases as dairy farmers face plummeting milk prices and is pressing for government and European Commission (EC) support.
The Scottish government is backing an initiative designed to give the country’s dairy farmers greater bargaining power when dealing with their customers.
Three milk processors have abandoned plans to cut the price they pay for milk on August 1, but farmers have pledged to continue their blockades of milk processing depots until all the price cuts are rescinded.
