February 22, 2013

UK dairy processors face possible protests over milk prices

Farmers for Action (FFA) has warned of processor-targeted demonstrations across the UK if efforts are not made to improve farm gate milk prices.

British dairy farmers will take to the streets by March 2013 if there "has been no action from daily processors, according to FFA chairman, David Handley.

Last year, FFA targeted a number of UK-based dairy processors - including Arla Foods, Robert Wiseman Dairies (now Müller Wiseman Dairies), and Dairy Crest - in protest to planned milk price reductions.

The processors eventually postponed the planned price cuts, and relations appeared to improve. The relationship has, however, begun to sour, said Handley.

Despite FFA efforts in 2012, British dairy farmers are seeing slight improvement in milk prices, Handley added.

In recent weeks, FFA has been travelling to meet dairy farmers to discuss the current pricing issue. After gaging response at these meetings, Handley expects strong support for any future demonstrations.