Submission invited to MPs’ inquiry into dairy sector

Farmers are being asked to submit evidence to an inquiry by MPs into the future of dairy exports – and the potential for a new strategy after the UK leaves the European Union.

The inquiry was launched by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Dairy, headed by MP Scott Mann, whose North Cornwall constituency is in a dairy farming heartland.

See also: Cost of production analysis vital for dairy sector

The Dairy APPG will hear from a range of industry speakers later this month.

It will include representatives from Defra and the AHDB, who will outline current export data and take a look at what future export strategy could look like post Brexit.

APPG chairman Mr Mann said: “I’m delighted to launch this inquiry on behalf of the Dairy APPG to understand the framework within which British dairy exports can thrive.”

Practical help

“These are exciting times, but I want to know what practical and realistic help the government can provide to help the industry post Brexit.”

In the coming year the Dairy APPG will also look at sustainability in the dairy sector, as well as innovations in milk packaging.

The APPG has four MPs as vice-chairs: Steve Double (St Austell and Newquay), Angela Smith (Penistone and Stocksbridge), Chris Davies (Brecon and Radnor) and David Simpson (Portadown).

Forum for debate

The Dairy APPG is a cross-party group of MPs and peers that aims to provide a forum for parliamentarians to discuss issues of interest for the dairy industry.

Working with Dairy UK and the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers, it also works to ensure parliamentarians are fully briefed on developments in the dairy sector.

All-Party Groups are informal, cross-party interest groups that have no official status within parliament and are not accorded any powers or funding by it.

Written contributions to the inquiry are welcome, and should be forwarded to the APPG secretariat at appgdairy@gmail.com.