It was the first time the new board had come together following the election in March of chairman Michael Oakes and new vice chairman Tom Rawson.
A number of issues were on the agenda including fair and transparent trading relationships – hence the need for fair milk contracts. The NFU will look to drive forward work on building newer, stronger relationships through the supply chain to try and create economic stability while UK processors and co-operatives will be urged to consider new ways for managing risk to support both themselves and their supplying farmers.
The Board agreed to refresh its work under the #Decisions4dairy banner, which began earlier this year. The NFU will work with AHDB to identify ways to replicate the Scottish Dairy Hub in England and also look at identifying decision pathways and a bank of dairy mentors to help, advise and support farmers.
Longer term, as part of readying the industry to manage volatility, both on and off farm, the board will promote ways in which farmers can reduce costs and improve margins on farm as well as encourage new thinking on risk management further up the dairy supply chain with processors and end users.
The NFU will continue to promote positive dairy messages throughout the year, linking them to events such as Wimbledon, Great British Bake Off, Glastonbury and the Olympics. These all fit under the banner of Celebrate great British Food and will kick off with a campaign on social media as part of World Milk Day on June 1.