Milk price cuts

WI members are backing dairy farmers.

Over the last few weeks the price that farmers are paid for producing milk has hit the headlines because three of the main dairy processors responsible for supplying liquid fresh milk into the UK market place intended to reduce the price paid to farmers from 1 August 2012.  The move led to widespread protests from farmers and consumer groups.  The proposed price reductions have been since been withdrawn and a number of major supermarkets have responded to consumer pressure to ensure farmers are being paid a fair price. However, this is only part of the story and with many farmers still being paid less than the cost of production for their milk, the problem is far from solved.

The WI has a long standing commitment to farming and we believe that the threats to the industry are not just a problem for the farming community but for every member of the public that uses dairy produce.  96 per cent of us regularly consume fresh milk, yet our farmers face prices uncertainty and despite high demand for dairy produce, many fear a bleak future.  

WI members are well aware of the far-reaching impact that price reductions can have and the implications for the wider rural economy, the character of the countryside, longer-term investment in farms and the availability of high quality, locally produced and assured British food on shop and supermarket shelves.

The NFWI is calling on WI members to help get the wider public behind our farmers and ensure that they are paid a fair price for their milk.

What can I do?

1. Get the message out

Pin up our Fair Deal for Dairy Farmers poster on notice boards in your community to help raise awareness of the dairy industry crisis and build public support to ensure that farmers are paid a fair price for their liquid milk and dairy produce.

2. Write to your local retailer and use your purchasing power 

We’re calling on WI members to shop with retailers that are doing the right thing by British dairy farmers and we would like members to encourage others to show how much they value British dairy.  Use the template letter to write to your local supermarket and remember supermarkets aren’t the only large customers of milk and dairy products – other retailers and high street coffee shop chains all need to play their part in ensuring the dairy industry’s survival. 

3. Hold an event

Protest events will be taking place up and down the country to help raise awareness.  Organise a public meeting or talk to your regional NFU office to find out what’s going on in your area.

4. Write to your MP

Call on your MP to ask the Government to ensure that the Groceries Code Adjudicator moves into legislation quickly and is able to ensure that farmers are able to get a fair deal.  Use the template letter to write to your MP.

5. Buy British dairy

The red tractor logo provides a guarantee you are buying high quality food that meets safety, welfare and environmental standards while being farmed, processed and packed in the UK.  Look out for the red tractor on processed dairy products such as butter and cheese.

For more information visit the NFU website or Facebook page.