Groups united by dairy concerns

SIX ORGANISATIONS representing dairy farmers have taken the unprecedented step of joining forces to issue a statement highlighting the problems facing the British dairy sector.

The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers, Farmers For Action, Small Farms Association, Farmers Union of Wales, Farm and the NFU have formed a “loose alliance” to work to support dairy farming.

The group first met at the Royal Show (Jul 5) and then again at the Royal Welsh Show (Jul 19). The meetings were facilitated by FARMERS WEEKLY.

The statement issued as a result of the meetings says new ways must be found to sell milk, so plans for a national milk selling agency should be given serious consideration.

The idea of an agency was first mooted by FFA, which sees it as selling all milk from British dairy farms under one umbrella.

Farmers and co-ops would sell milk to the agency for the same price, and then the agency would sell it on. Agency profits would be passed back to producers.

The group‘s statement also offers some support for a new organisation called Dairy UK, which has been proposed to represent the whole of the milk supply chain.

Some of the organisations involved have already criticised the plans, and the group is concerned that the detail had not been discussed with many sectors of the industry.

But it adds: “In principle, to have a body unifying the industry is commendable and needed, but…the industry must be assured that farmers have enough seats at the table to ensure a share of the benefits.” 

The document also says that while the industry had embraced new technology and management techniques, many farmers still need to reduce their production costs.

But of equal importance is the need to appreciate the benefits of cooperation.

The statement concludes that any real progress towards sustainability must come from farmers themselves.

“There is no white knight on a charging horse to come to the rescue.”

John Sumner, technical adviser for RABDF and the man who drew the statement together, said the alliance hoped it would send a signal to politicians and producers.

Farmers For Action chairman David Handley said it was a loose coalition, but it was significant that groups with a range of views had managed to come to an agreement.

“That has got to send out a strong message,” he said.

To read the dairy statement in full, click here