Milk co-op campaign resumes

By FWi staff

CO-OP enthusiasts are back on the road, persuading dairy colleagues who supply processors direct to return to the fold to help secure better prices for milk.

The Association of Milk Producers, which represents about 1000 farmers producing 1.2bn litres of milk a year in the Midlands and Wales, held three meetings this week, three months later than planned.

Back in February, representatives of the 12 direct supply groups belonging to the AMP voted to terminate their contracts with processors and join the Milk Group instead.

Unfortunately, foot-and-mouth broke out days later, putting paid to plans to hold a series of meetings to push the message to the general membership.

But fears that momentum would be lost in the intervening three months have not been borne out, says AMP chairman Bev Baker.

“Five groups supplying Dairy Crest have resigned their contracts, as have a large number of Dairy Crest Unigate Business Deal suppliers.

“Some producers who supply Aspatria and Davidstow also joined – they were not impressed with Dairy Crests two tier pricing arrangement.

“Weve also picked up some Dansco, Golden Vale and ACC suppliers.”

All told, that represents about 600 members so far, says Mr Baker.

“We are now holding a series of meetings in areas free of foot-and-mouth to persuade the other 400 to join us.”

Farm e-Business Survey. Click here to enter and win 100 Amazon vouchers