While I was unfortunately unable to attend the latest NFU Council meeting, I would like to update on what the NFU Dairy Board have been working on for you, our members.
Since the last NFU Council, the national Dairy Board have set their priorities for the term ahead. Whilst the themes are largely the same, we have prioritised several areas including:
- Farmer health, safety and wellbeing.
- Demonstrating industry ownership when it comes to delivering sustainable supply chains – that means environmentally, economically and socially – rather than waiting for further rigid regulation.
- Responding to the ASCA review of the FDOM regulations expected in 2027.
- The TB Policy Refresh.
Meetings with the supply chain
With the market situation still difficult for many farmers, and a wide range in milk prices from mid-20s to mid-30s (higher for aligned) the team are currently meeting with processors across the country, some at the request of members or representatives, to discuss farmer-processor communications, investment intentions and fair dealings.
One very positive thing which has come out of these meetings is a clear intention from processors to make investments in processing capacity to help deal with the high volumes we have seen over the past few years. We expect to see approximately half a billion pounds of investment over the next decade.
This shows there is long-term confidence in the UK dairy industry – it is vital this confidence is passed down to farm level as well.
“Whilst there has not been – and we never expected there to be – a bonfire of standards as some might have hoped for ... we are also looking at ways to reduce burden and stress on farm during the audits themselves.”
NFU Dairy Board Chair Ian Harvey on devolved legislation
Dairy Board priorities – looking ahead at the next two years
bTB strategy provides important direction, but urgency needed in delivery
Environmental Permitting Regulations – initial findings from NFU EPR surveys
Understanding FDOM – price factors and disputes
Transporting livestock and birds in hot weather – advice and guidance
The role of the new fair dealing regulations in a changing market
Tackling pollution
The board has been continuing its work and programme of industry engagement on our proposal for an alternative approach to tackling water and air pollution which avoids seeing environmental permitting extended to the cattle sector.
We were extremely pleased with the level of engagement in our member survey on this issue which saw nearly 700 responses, equivalent to around 15% of English dairy farmers. The survey demonstrated that the vast majority of dairy farmers already implement many best practice techniques, with:
- 80% in SFI
- 99% scraping slurry daily
- 65% soil testing
- 98% nutrient management planning
- Nearly 90% separating clean and dirty water with another 5% planning to do this, and
- the majority low emission spreading.
Dairy standards review
We have also been actively involved in the Red Tractor dairy standards review which has aligned with much of the work of the NFU Livestock Board to reduce, amalgamate and improve standards.
There will also be much more recognition of devolved legislation. Whilst there has not been – and we never expected there to be – a bonfire of standards as some might have hoped for (unlikely given the mandatory nature of dairy assurance) we are also looking at ways to reduce burden and stress on farm during the audits themselves, but more on that at a later date.
Acknowledging the Board
Finally, I would just like to recognise the vast amount of work the whole dairy board continues to do on behalf of the sector.
Not only responding to daily WhatsApp messages but engaging in the SFI relaunch, TB policy refresh, hosting farm visits, organising and chairing organic meetings, speaking at the Australian Embassy and taking part in charity motorbike rides to name a few.
I have an excellent board, and their work should be recognised.
More from NFU Council:
