Leaders press for milk price hike

FARM LEADERS are working hard to persuade all milk sellers to put in for a 3p/litre price increase to all their milk processors and customers.

The 3p/litre initiative, which has the backing of the NFU, emerged after a meeting between Farmers For Action chairman David Handley with Arla and Asda (News, Dec 24).

Gwyn Jones, NFU dairy board chairman, said he understood the three main milk co-ops were behind the idea and he had had talks with Morrisons, which was also supportive.

Achieving the goal was not going to be easy as the whole industry had to sign up to it, he said.

“But it is essential we get everyone signed up. My key objective is that all the milk is billed at 3p/litre more.”

Milk producers supplying dairy co-op First Milk can take some much-needed festive cheer from the news that the price they are paid for milk will remain unchanged until the end of January. The decision was taken on Dec 21 alongside an appeal for “some sanity” from competitors, who have indulged in rounds of price-cutting throughout the year.