NFU dairy lobbying event, Westminster, May 17 2011

It's time to back our dairy farmers -- that's the message the NFU took to Westminster this morning for face-to-face talks with MPs.

More than 20 politicians from all parties were joined at the House of Lords by NFU President Peter Kendall, national dairy board chairman Mansel Raymond, chief dairy adviser Robert Newbery and Lord Plumb of Coleshill.

During an hour-long debate, they heard why the government must take action to eliminate unfair commercial practices. They were told of one-sided milk contracts that offered little clarity on price but locked dairy farmers in to one buyer with long notice periods.

The discussions also focused on the role of farmer co-operatives, processor and retailer responsibility and the value of the cheese market, as well as the importance of the EU High Level Group's package of recommendations.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• NFU
• dairy contracts
• milk
• farmers
• cheese
• EU High Level Group on milk