NFUS set to flex its muscles

29 January 1999

NFUS set to flex its muscles

THE National Farmers Union of Scotland is limbering up to take a more aggressive role on behalf of Scottish farmers, claimed president George Lyon.

Mr Lyon told a meeting of Fife farmers that the unions revamped branch and regional structure would mean better services and representation for members.

The restructuring would put the union back at the centre of events, leading the industry in its fight for a viable future, he said.

Meanwhile, the unions milk committee criticised the extension of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission inquiry on the milk selling system.

The report is not expected to be ready until the end of the month, after two delays in its publication date.

Committee convener Tom Thomson said the current system had put producers at the mercy of a few big processors and multiple retailers.

He called for further government action to help farmers get a bigger share of the retail price for milk, saying that buyers had effectively been able to drive down prices.

• The Herald 29/01/99 page 28