Menu
23/07/2012
Ministers To Host Milk Dispute Talks
In an effort to resolve a dispute over milk pricing, minister will host talks between dairy farmers and milk processing firms.
The farming minister at Westminster, Jim Paice, will lead the meeting at the Royal Welsh Show, in Powys.
The farmers' anger has centred on cuts of up to two pence per litre (ppl) in the amount they receive from major milk processors, set to come in from 1 August.
Robert Wiseman Dairies and First Milk are cutting the price by 1.7ppl, Arla Foods UK by 2ppl and Dairy Crest by 1.65ppl.
The processors say they have no choice because the price they can sell certain dairy products for on the commodities market has fallen sharply in the past 12 to 18 months.
The meeting will include representatives of the National Farmers' Union and the trade body for milk processing firms, Dairy UK
In a joint statement the ministers said: "The dairy sector is a key part of our agricultural industry and all the governments in the UK are determined that it should have a profitable and sustainable future.
"In responding to the current situation, the industry needs to address both the immediate issue of the price paid for milk and also the structures and mechanisms that will help underpin the long-term viability of the sector."
Farmers for Action have said that more than 2,000 farmers took part in blockades in Somerset, Shropshire and Worcestershire on Sunday over the prices they receive.
Defra said the protests were "not the way forward".
(H/GK)
The farming minister at Westminster, Jim Paice, will lead the meeting at the Royal Welsh Show, in Powys.
The farmers' anger has centred on cuts of up to two pence per litre (ppl) in the amount they receive from major milk processors, set to come in from 1 August.
Robert Wiseman Dairies and First Milk are cutting the price by 1.7ppl, Arla Foods UK by 2ppl and Dairy Crest by 1.65ppl.
The processors say they have no choice because the price they can sell certain dairy products for on the commodities market has fallen sharply in the past 12 to 18 months.
The meeting will include representatives of the National Farmers' Union and the trade body for milk processing firms, Dairy UK
In a joint statement the ministers said: "The dairy sector is a key part of our agricultural industry and all the governments in the UK are determined that it should have a profitable and sustainable future.
"In responding to the current situation, the industry needs to address both the immediate issue of the price paid for milk and also the structures and mechanisms that will help underpin the long-term viability of the sector."
Farmers for Action have said that more than 2,000 farmers took part in blockades in Somerset, Shropshire and Worcestershire on Sunday over the prices they receive.
Defra said the protests were "not the way forward".
(H/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 August 2015
New Milk Brand To Pay Percentage Direct To Farmers
A new milk brand is to be launched that will pay 10 pence-per-litre of the retail price direct to dairy farmers. Launched by supermarket chain Morrisons, the new milk brand will go on sale later this year and is aimed at shoppers who want to directly support dairy farmers.
New Milk Brand To Pay Percentage Direct To Farmers
A new milk brand is to be launched that will pay 10 pence-per-litre of the retail price direct to dairy farmers. Launched by supermarket chain Morrisons, the new milk brand will go on sale later this year and is aimed at shoppers who want to directly support dairy farmers.
20 January 2015
Govt Urged To 'Do More' For Dairy Farmers
Dairy farmers need more protection from the government following a fall in milk prices, a committee of MPs said.
Govt Urged To 'Do More' For Dairy Farmers
Dairy farmers need more protection from the government following a fall in milk prices, a committee of MPs said.
10 August 2011
Supermarkets Fined In OFT Dairy Price Fixing Probe
Tesco, Sainsburys and Asda are among the supermarkets and dairy processors who have been fined by the Office of Fair Trading following an investigation into the price fixing of dairy products.
Supermarkets Fined In OFT Dairy Price Fixing Probe
Tesco, Sainsburys and Asda are among the supermarkets and dairy processors who have been fined by the Office of Fair Trading following an investigation into the price fixing of dairy products.
07 December 2007
Supermarkets Admit Dairy Price Fixing
Supermarkets Asda and Sainsbury's have agreed to pay multi-million pound fines after admitting fixing the price of milk, butter and cheese, following an inquiry by the Office of Fair Trading. Asda, Sainsbury's admitted to price-fixing, as did Safeway, prior to its takeover by Morrisons.
Supermarkets Admit Dairy Price Fixing
Supermarkets Asda and Sainsbury's have agreed to pay multi-million pound fines after admitting fixing the price of milk, butter and cheese, following an inquiry by the Office of Fair Trading. Asda, Sainsbury's admitted to price-fixing, as did Safeway, prior to its takeover by Morrisons.
23 June 2006
Cadbury recalls chocolate bars over salmonella fears
More than a million Cadbury chocolate bars are being removed from shops over fears that they may be contaminated with salmonella. Seven of the chocolate manufacturer's products are affected.
Cadbury recalls chocolate bars over salmonella fears
More than a million Cadbury chocolate bars are being removed from shops over fears that they may be contaminated with salmonella. Seven of the chocolate manufacturer's products are affected.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
