Important to step in on behalf of all our ailing dairy farmers

Ashbourne’s MP SARAH DINES has responded to news of a new fund set up to support dairy farmers as they take on the challenges of the coronavirus outbreak.

ELIGIBLE dairy farmers are now able to access up to £10,000 of support each, as a cross-industry campaign is launched to drive consumer demand for milk.

The new funding will help support dairy farmers – who, together, continue to produce more than 40 million litres of milk every day – who have seen decreased demand as bars, restaurants and cafés have had to close.

Last week’s announcement has come after the Government temporarily relaxed some elements of UK competition law to allow suppliers, retailers and logistics providers in the dairy industry to work more closely together on some of the challenges they are facing.

With some dairy farmers facing financial difficulties and excess milk, the new fund is aimed at providing support for the farmers most in need.

Eligible dairy farmers will be entitled to up to £10,000 each, to cover 70% of their lost income during April and May to ensure they can continue to operate and sustain production capacity without impacts on animal welfare.

Derbyshire Dales MP Sarah Dines said: “I am delighted that a lot of hard work on behalf of our dairy farmers has paid off.

“I was one of a small band of MPS pressing hard for this fund.

“It will be a lifeline to several of our local farmers. Well done, the Government.”

The dairy sector is the UK’S largest farming sector, with milk accounting for 16.85% of total agricultural output in the UK in 2018.

Since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, the dairy industry has faced challenges of excess milk, falling prices, and reduced demand from the hospitality sector.

While many farmers have already rerouted their milk supplies to retailers and supermarkets – which have seen increased demand in recent weeks – the new support will help to ensure farmers can remain operational, sustain production capacity

and continue to meet animal welfare demands.

Eligible dairy farmers who have lost more than 25 per cent of their income over April and May due to coronavirus disruptions will be eligible to access this funding for those qualifying months – with no cap set on the number of farmers who can receive this support, or on the total funding available.

Environment Secretary George Eustice said: “Our dairy industry plays a crucial role in feeding our nation and we are doing all we can to ensure they are properly supported during this time. We’ve already relaxed competition laws so dairy farmers can work together through the toughest months but recognise there is more to be done.

“That is why we have kickstarted a new campaign to boost milk consumption and have announced a further package of funding.

“We will continue to stand alongside our dairy farmers through this difficult period”.

The £1 million promotional campaign will help increase sales of dairy products by encouraging the public to drink more milk.

Christine Watts, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board’s chief marketing officer said: “This new innovative marketing campaign is a fantastic demonstration of what can be achieved when industry and Government join together to meet a common supply chain challenge.

“It will support dairy farmers and processors in driving demand for milk within households across the UK.

“It will link consumers’ love of the great taste of milk and dairy with how we are all having to manage these challenging times at home and at work.”