Book Description

The Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee reports that the European Commission's proposed package of measures for the dairy sector is not sufficient on its own to redress the problems facing the UK industry. It warns that farm-gate milk prices remain below the average cost of production and calls on the Government to set out its strategy to improve the state of the UK dairy sector. The MPs call on the Government to ensure that UK dairy farmers are offered written contracts by processors that specify either the raw milk price or the principles underpinning the price, the volume and timing of deliveries, as well as duration of the agreement. The Committee also argues that the forthcoming abolition of EU milk quotas coupled with growing global demand for dairy products creates a significant window of opportunity for UK dairy production. The Committee supports the European Commission's proposal to allow dairy producer organisations to jointly set prices but warned that without greater safeguards this could lead to competitive distortions. In addition, the Committee calls on DEFRA to promptly establish its position on large-scale dairy farming. DEFRA should also provide greater support for innovative research and development in the dairy sector that is focussed on novel uses and processes that add value.