August 1, 2012

The Scottish Government will support a GBP100,000 (US$157,000)  initiative to establish the new group, Dairy Farmers Together to improve the negotiating power of dairy farmers in subsequent milk price talks.

More than 500 dairy farmers from across the UK rallied behind the urgent need for producers to get a fairer milk price when they met.

Rural Affairs Secretary, Richard Lochhead said, "It's ludicrous that our dairy farmers are paid less than the cost of production for each and every pint of milk. Therefore I congratulate Scottish farmers for the dignified way in which they have carried out the campaign to highlight this untenable situation, which has captured the public's imagination."

He added Holyrood had been in regular dialogue with the UK Government and the retailers to press for action.

"I'm pleased that in recent days we have seen positive movement," he said.

"However, the proof of the pudding will be in who gets the cream. We need meaningful and lasting change - not temporary measures."

NFU Scotland Milk Committee vice chairman, Rory Christie, said Scottish Government's pledge would give the action groups a 'tremendous boost'.