The discussion document, ‘A Strategy for the British Dairy Industry’ will be launched today during the dairy break-out session at NFU Conference. It aims to bring together the whole industry to come up with a working strategy that will be launched at the Livestock Event (incorporating Dairy) at the NEC in July.
Mansel Raymond, NFU dairy board chairman, said: “We’re starting a conversation with farmers, processors, retailers and everyone with an interest in the dairy industry about a robust, ambitious strategy for its future development.
“Since the Dairy Coalition committed to agree a strategy last year, the NFU dairy board has kicked off the process. Our focused working group, which has drawn on the expertise of NFU board members, DairyCo and Dairy UK has developed a set of key assumptions, which we intend to discuss in the coming months.
“We believe this strategy must be based on growth in output of milk in Britain. Our starting point is growth that at least keeps pace with the growing global market place. If we fail to do this, then relatively speaking we are falling behind in terms of scale and potentially efficiency.
“The British dairy industry has a lot going for it and what we must do now is organise ourselves to thrive in a brave new world where quota restrictions are lifted and demand is growing. We cannot afford to be left behind.
“I am delighted by Muller Wiseman’s latest announcement of a 1ppl bonus for new and increased milk supply. This is clear evidence that British milk is in demand, strong market signals and price stimulus are what producers are looking for right now.”