Investment plans need clarity

The NFU has called on Arla Foods Milk Partnership to address farmer concerns about its recent proposal to increase the investment levy on producers through the Milk Partnership Limited.

NFU dairy board chairman Mansel Raymond said that while some farmer members supported the investment proposals, others had mixed feelings and many felt uncomfortable discussing them in public. He said AFMP should hold a secret ballot on the proposals, facilitated by an independent third party.

“There are still fourteen district meetings to be held over the next few weeks, and it is vitally important that dairy farmers attend these meetings to express their views and understand the proposals being made.

“If the majority of AFMP members vote in favour of the investment then the NFU will happily support the view of that majority.”