NFU expected to launch milk invoicing campaign next week

The NFU is expected to launch its national milk invoicing campaign next week, sending invoices to major milk buyers demanding that they cover the full cost of production (News, 22 September).

Milk producers across the country have lent their backing to the idea in recent weeks, determined to see their prices rise above the 18p/litre average.

Earlier this year the NFU and Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers put the cost of production at 20.34p/litre.

NFU senior milk adviser Tom Hind has reported an enthusiastic response by dairy farmers to the union’s recent survey into the exceptional costs the industry has faced as a result of the summer drought and the sharp rise in fuel prices.

“We’ve had about 500 forms sent in and we are analysing the findings now,” he said. “It’s too soon to say exactly how much costs have gone up, but even on some of the country’s most efficient units, the impact we are seeing is absolutely astronomical.”

Mr Hind said some producers wanted to send their invoices straight away, though others were more reticent for fear of being blacklisted by their buyers. One possibility the NFU was considering was for it to present these invoices on their members’ behalf.

While giving little away, he said the campaign launch would be designed to maximise media attention and really get the message to buyers that farmers are in dire straights.

Over 90% of the public believe that farmers are not being paid enough for their milk (according to the The Daily Telegraph poll). What do you think. Have your say on our forums