25 July 2007

Dairy farmers must work together to save the industry

The National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) will launch a report calling for better prices for dairy farmers, at the NFU stand at the Royal Welsh Show on Wednesday 25 July 2007.

The Great Milk Debate report details feedback from over 15,000 people who took part in 100 debates across England and Wales that brought dairy farmers, processors, retailers and consumers together to debate the future of the British dairy industry.

Fay Mansell, NFWI Chair said; “The debates were hugely successful. Based on the numbers that attended the issue is clearly of great concern to the British public."  " We hope that the problems raised will be taken and addressed seriously by the relevant stakeholders. We believe that the recommendations put forward present positive actions for all those involved across the industry, and most importantly the need for farmers to work together.”


Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said; “As the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, I recognise the great importance of dairy farming to the UK. This report has a lot of ideas which come from communities that want to see the British dairy industry progress and succeed. They need to be acted upon by all sectors to ensure a strong future for dairying in the UK.”

In 1995, there were over 28,000 dairy farms in England and Wales. By the end of 2006 there were 13,000. A recent survey conducted by the Milk Development Council of dairy farmers’ intentions found that a further 16% of dairy farmers plan to leave within the next two years and that production could fall by as much as 900 million litres, or 7%.

ENDS

For further information please contact Katie Austin at the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) Press Office on 020 7371 9300 or 07803 086115 or email k.austin@nfwi.org.uk.
Notes to editors:
1. The WI is the largest women’s organisation in the UK with more than 211,000 members in 6,800 WIs. The charity campaigns on issues that matter to women and their communities from children’s diet and human trafficking to health eating and the environment.
2. For further information please visit www.theWI.org.uk
3. The following resolution was passed at the NFWI 2005 AGM: "This meeting urges WI members to do all in their power to raise public awareness of the unfair difference between the retail prices of milk and the price paid to the farmer."