Mrs Batters is expected to cover a range of issues including Brexit and the threat of a no deal on agriculture, the UK liquid milk market issues, dairy contracts and the NFU’s vision of how British farming hopes to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
Ahead of the event, she said: “Today is the NFU’s annual Back British Farming Day. And there has never been a more important time to show support for Britain’s dairy farmers. With Brexit scheduled to officially take place in 50 days we are highlighting the importance of farming to the national economy and celebrating great British food.
“Today we are putting 50 vital questions to government to provide certainty for the future of British food and farming. Dairy farming businesses, like the rest of the country, desperately need clarity so they can prepare for life after leaving the EU; clarity to plan for the future, have confidence to invest in their businesses and increase productivity.
“In the event of a no deal the UK will be forced to trade on World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules. That means UK dairy farmers will face higher tariffs on exports, such as around 31% on cheddar, and we risk British food standards being sacrificed in future trade deals with products entering the UK that would be illegal to produce here.
“The NFU has always been very clear that a no-deal departure would be extremely damaging for the UK farming industry. Any exiting of the EU must be smooth and orderly to allow our dairy farming businesses to have a viable and sustainable future.”
The NFU has a dedicated stand at the Telford International Centre, Shropshire, and the NFU dairy team and other NFU experts will be on hand to answer questions throughout the day.
Members of the NFU Dairy Board will be available to talk about their work on the issues that are affecting dairy farming businesses, as well as championing the British dairy industry.
UK Dairy Day 2019 will also feature two seminar zones on the first floor within the Sharing Knowledge Zone. The 13 seminars will cover a range of subjects related to dairy herds and farm business which will be engaging and educational.
NFU dairy board chairman Michael Oakes will be speaking in Zone 2 at 2.00pm about the reform of dairy contracts and what it could it mean for you.
He said: “For most dairy farmers, their contract to sell milk is the single most important piece of paper they have for the business and shapes the relationship with their milk buyer. For as long as I can remember, unfair milk contract terms have been an area of concern for the dairy sector and I have lost track of how many calls we get at the NFU from farmers with issues which ultimately relate back to their contract.
“The NFU is supportive of the introduction of mandatory contract terms and feel it should apply between all supplier and purchaser relationships to create a level playing field for all.
“Once the consultation from Defra has finally been released, the NFU will be outlining its position to its members before submitting a full response.”