While clearly the main topic of discussion will be the options for the UK dairy sector post-Brexit there are a number of other important points that need consideration.
Top of the list is the need to ensure that dairy market improvements are translated quickly into upward farmgate prices as many UK dairy farmers have faced the longest and deepest market downturn they can remember. With all market signals now pointing upwards - including major improvements to AHDB milk indicators AMPE and MCVE over recent months, decreased milk volumes, strong positive GDT auction results and positive dairy future market indicators – we need to see milk processors passing these gains back to farmers.
Also on the agenda will be the UK’s implementation of the latest €500 million support package. Applications for the first part of this package, the €150 million supply management scheme will open shortly for the October – December reference period and we need to ensure that dairy farmers are fully aware of what they need to do to apply for this scheme. Decisions have yet to be made on how the £25 million UK crisis fund (the UK’s portion of the remaining €350 million EU fund) will be allocated and the farming unions will share ideas on how this could be used to support British dairy farmers.
But of course the main topic of discussion will be Brexit, and how the UK dairy sector can prepare itself for life outside the EU. Whilst agricultural policy is clearly a devolved competency, the main issues of trade, labour, regulation are ones where we need a strong, consistent UK voice. Access to the single market is vital for the UK dairy sector and the farming unions will discuss how to best push forward dairy priorities to Government and other stakeholders.
Attending the meeting on behalf of the NFU will be NFU dairy board chairman Michael Oakes, NFU chief legal adviser Nina Winter and Sian Davies, NFU chief dairy adviser.