Dairy Crest cuts milk price

DAIRY CREST, one of the UK‘ largest milk processors, is cutting the price it pays to suppliers of milk for the liquid market by 0.33p/litre from June.

Prices to farmers supplying milk for cheese will remain unchanged after cuts of 0.5p/litre in April and 0.2p/litre in May.

The company said the reduction reflected a fall in the value of cream since the price was last increased in July 2003.

It has also not ruled out a further cut for July milk.

Arthur Reeves, milk purchasing director, said: “Dairy Crest and Dairy Crest Direct (the organisation representing its direct suppliers) will meet during June to discuss and agree milk prices for July.

“Our aim is to set a milk price that can be sustained until 2005.”