Farming industry urged to have its say on future of the sector
Ayrshire dairy farmers are being urged to take part in a consultation on ending unfair practices in their industry.
The consultation, being led by the UK Government, is designed to even up the playing field between farmers and buyers and help deliver a better future for the sector.
Proposals include the possibility of a mandatory pricing mechanism within all contracts between dairy farmers and processors.
This would guarantee the price paid for milk produced by farmers is formally agreed in the contract and improve transparency in negotiations.
South Scotland MSP Brian Whittle, who has been campaigning to increase the amount of locally sourced produce used in school and hospital meals, wants dairy farmers in Ayrshire to make their voices heard in the consultation, which ends in September.
He said: “This consultation is an important opportunity for dairy farmers right across Scotland to help plan the future for Scotland’s dairy sector.
“In recent years many farmers have struggled to get a fair price for their milk when they negotiate with producers because of unfair pricing structures and opaque contracts. “This consultation is a chance to change that. “Ayrshire’s dairy farmers are a vital part of the supply chain and they deserve to get a fair price for their milk in the future.”
It comes amid concerns within the industry that a “dairy hardship fund” has not been created north of the border during the Covid-19 crisis.
The consultation can be found at https:// consult.defra.gov.uk/agri-food-chaindirectorate/contractual-relationships-in-theuk-dairy-industry/