The two organisations will be addressing the issues of alleged ‘bullyboy’ tactics by supermarkets, the millions of pounds that fail to reach beyond the farmgate, and what can be done to safeguard the industry’s long-term future.
Policy makers as well as representatives from major retailers and milk processors will be invited to November’s Great Milk Debate – an update of 2007’s event, which saw thousands of people across the country campaign for improvements in the British dairy industry.
NFU president Peter Kendall said: “This campaign can’t come at a more urgent time, when we know retailers are aggressively cutting the cost prices paid to processors. It’s only a matter of time before this short-term and short-sighted approach affects dairy farmers throughout the country, at a time when many are considering their future in the industry.
“The NFU has already highlighted the need for an ombudsman to help scrutinise some of these damaging and unfair practices which threaten the long-term future of the dairy industry. Farmers will be increasingly angry as they watch milk sellers allow themselves to be influenced by bullyboy tactics. They will be even more frustrated by the fact that they know, as our Great Milk Robbery investigation revealed, millions of pounds seen in improved commodity markets hasn’t been passed back to them.
“Therefore, the two organisations remain committed to not only finding out what’s going on, but also improving the conduct of milk buyers and retailers who aren’t developing long-term relationships with a decent return for producers.”
The Great Milk Debate campaign led to a change in a number of supply chain arrangements but many farmers still find themselves at a disadvantage.
Source: National Farmers Union
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