Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP David Mundell is calling on major retailers and processors to consider halting the planned price cuts in milk pending further negotiations next month. Mr Mundell has welcomed the progress made at the Royal Welsh Show in what was a constructive meeting chaired by Defra Farming Minister Jim Paice MP.
Mr Mundell, who has been meeting NFUS representatives and discussed local concerns with Jim Paice last week, welcomed the broad agreement between farmers and processers and believes it shows that all parties recognise the severity of the current impasse. Mr Mundell has argued that stability in the supply chain and sustainability are in the consumer interest and it is therefore right that the UK Government has intervened to address the current imbalance in negotiations, pushing for a voluntary agreement for the benefit of the whole industry. Mr Mundell is to hold a further meeting with farmers in Lockerbie and at Stranraer Show to see what more can be done to protect their livelihoods and discuss the way forward.
Speaking following yesterday’s meeting Mr Mundell said: “The talks have seen progress made but there is still much to be done. I am meeting farmers across our region this week to make sure their continued concerns are heard at the highest levels.
“The UK Government has helped kick start the process of putting a voluntary agreement together, showing that it takes the sustainability of farming seriously and I am confident it will help find a viable way forward.
“Everyone involved must continue to work together until a solution is found and in that spirit I believe processors should consider holding off on planned cuts until talks are concluded.”