Welsh Conservatives have warned that the Welsh dairy industry needs urgent support from the Welsh Government to protect jobs as producers face cuts in farm-gate prices.
Last week, concerns were raised about the impact of a cut of 1.7 pence per litre imposed by Robert Wiseman Dairies.
Antoinette Sandbach AM, Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs, today met 120 dairy farmers in Mold to discuss the impact that any further cuts could have on the livelihoods of Welsh dairy farmers.
Antoinette has been invited to join dairy farmers at a rally in London next week to raise awareness of the plight of the dairy industry.
Antoinette Sandbach AM said, “Having spent the day listening to the views of concerned dairy farmers, I am more determined than ever that urgent action is needed.
“Too many dairy farmers are working on the very edge of profitability, where just any further reductions in farm-gate prices could force them to shed jobs or even put them out of business.
“I welcome moves by the Conservative-led Coalition in Westminster to introduce a Supermarket Ombudsman to prevent unfair pressure being put on food producers.
“Prior to the establishment of the Ombudsman, there are measures that the Welsh Deputy Minister could take more immediately to support the Welsh dairy industry, such as implementing in full the EU Dairy Package.
“The Welsh Government needs to realise that scores of jobs and families are dependent on a vibrant dairy industry in Wales.
“I urge as many supporters of the dairy industry as possible to support the NFU’s rally to raise awareness of the vital contribution that milk producers make to the economy and local food agenda.”
