News

First Milk Security Urged

Posted 15/01/2015

 

As the First Milk crisis deepens, the National Farmers Union (NFU) has stressed the need for greater communication with its suppliers - many of whom are already severely affected by the decision to delay this month's milk payment to January 26th. 

Meurig Raymond, NFU President, stressed the need for the co-operative to meet with suppliers before the AGM at the end of the month: "[...]And as a farmer-owned co-operative, I expect First Milk to arrange early meetings with their farmer suppliers, before their AGM at the end of January, to answer their urgent questions. Farmers need to have a better understanding of their options in order to develop a sustainable business plan."

Difficult trading conditions have placed First Milk under immense financial pressure. Many major UK dairy firms have cut their milk prices, adding to the pressure. 

The chairman of the Royal Association of Dairy Farmers, Ian McAlpine, stressed the need for honesty and says First Milk's board must be open and honest with its suppliers: "We urge First Milk board to be honest and up front with its communications with members, many of whom have been left uncertain of the future of their dairy farming businesses."