Local MSP Brian Whittle is urging local dairy farmers to take part in a consultation on ending unfair practices in the dairy industry.
Brian says the consultation, which is being led by the UK Government is designed to even up the playing field between farmers and buyers and help deliver a better future for the sector. He also criticised the Scottish Government for failing to create their own version of the dairy hardship fund, which was introduced in England and Wales.
Proposals in the consultation include the possibility of a mandatory pricing mechanism within all contracts between dairy farmers and processors. This would guarantee the price paid for milk produced by farmers is formally agreed in the contract and improve transparency in negotiations.
Brian, who has been campaigning to increase the amount of locally sourced produce used in school and hospital meals, wants dairy farmers in Ayrshire to make their voices heard in the consultation, which ends in September.
The consultation can be found here: https://consult.defra.gov.uk/agri-food-chain-directorate/contractual-relationships-in-the-uk-dairy-industry/
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“This consultation is an important opportunity for dairy farmers right across Scotland to help plan the future for Scotland’s dairy sector.
“In recent years many farmers have struggled to get a fair price for their milk when they negotiate with producers because of unfair pricing structures and opaque contracts. This consultation is a chance to change that.
“It’s disappointing that the SNP failed to provide any specific support to the dairy sector, which has been badly impacted by the pandemic, but this consultation is a chance to help crease a better future for dairy right across the UK.
“Ayrshire’s dairy farmers are a vital part of the supply chain and they deserve to get a fair price for their milk in the future.”
