Plans for a fairer dairy supply chain, announced today by the UK Government, have been welcomed by Shadow Rural Economy Secretary Jamie Halcro Johnston.
The announcement follows a 12-week consultation which took place last year and which sought views from dairy farmers and processors across the UK about how contracts and relationships could be improved.
As a result of the feedback the UK Government, working in close collaboration with the devolved administrations, will develop a new statutory Code of Conduct for the sector, in order to increase fairness in the supply chain and help farmers become more competitive.
Mr Halcro Johnston said: “This is a hugely positive step for our dairy farmers who have been hit by unfair pricing and contracts which have rarely been in their favour. The pandemic has only heightened the pressure on the dairy sector so enabling better supply chains for farmers and processors at this critical time is extremely welcome."
“Our dairy farmers and processors made their voices heard during this extensive consultation from the UK Government and have had their strong case listened to. The SNP failed to put in place proper support for our dairy farmers during the pandemic last year, unlike in England and Wales so we must use this code of conduct as a platform to protect the sector going forward across Scotland."
The Highlands and Islands MSP added: “As someone whose family were dairy farmers for many years, I believe this can herald the start of a bright new future for the sector.”
The announcement can be read here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-code-of-conduct-to-ensure-a-fairer-dairy-supply-chain
The funding for dairy farmers was announced in England on May 6 2019: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-funding-to-support-dairy-farmers-through-coronavirus
The funding for dairy farmers was announced in Wales on May 9 2019: https://gov.wales/new-funding-to-support-welsh-dairy-farmers-through-covid-19
