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WI and farming organisations call for a better deal for dairy farmers
WI members and farmers across England and Wales are joining forces to raise awareness of the desperate situation facing British dairy farmers, due to the low prices they receive for their milk.

The National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) and farming organisations including Farmers For Action, Small Farms Association, FARM and Farmers’ Union of Wales are launching a new campaign to raise awareness of the issue.		WI member with Farmer and cow
 


Awareness raising events are taking place today (Thursday 27 July) at venues across the country. The events aim to raise awareness among consumers about dairy farmers’ contribution to communities and the devastating impact of farmers going out of business.

Consumers will be invited to sign a petition and send a campaign card to the Prime Minister, calling for a better deal for dairy farmers.
WI members voted at their AGM in 2005 to raise public awareness of the unfair difference between the retail prices of milk and the price paid to the farmer.

Fay Mansell, Chair of the NFWI said: “The British dairy farming industry is in a desperate situation. Unless we stop the decline, our communities and the environment will suffer enormously. We must ensure that everyone working in the dairy industry receives a fair deal, from farmers to consumers. WI members and farmers have united to call on the Government to take immediate action to save our dairy industry.”

Stephanie Fort, WI member and dairy farmer said: “During my twenty-nine years of dairy farming, I have witnessed the steady decline of the industry. It is wrong that we are paid below the cost of production. Action must be taken to stop this injustice; otherwise our dairy farms will disappear. If we can’t afford to stay in business, where will we get our milk from? “

The campaign calls on the Government to: ensure that a watchdog is put in place to oversee the dairy industry and ensure that all parties in the food chain receive a fair price; and make farming a priority for Britain to ensure that we do not have to depend entirely on other nations to supply our food.