UK DAIRY INDUSTRY WITHSTOOD RECESSION BETTER THAN EUROPE
The UK dairy industry has weathered the recession better than its European counterparts and is in a strong position to take advantage of economic recovery, Jim Begg, Dairy UK Director General said this week in a key industry speech.
“In my view, we are preparing ourselves better for the future’s uncertain deregulated climate than anyone else,” Begg told the World Dairy Forum in London. “And the prophets of doom are wrong – particularly those who depict farmers as victims rather than constructive, forward-looking businessmen.”
Begg said: “In reality, the industry is robust and dynamic, long-term prospects are strongly positive and we are committed to a sustainable future for the British dairy farmer in a market-driven environment.”
Begg said the UK industry still faces formidable challenges on issues such as milk price volatility and milk stocks, and the collapse of Dairy Farmers of Britain had been a severe blow, making 2009 a tough year on farm and in factories. And there were difficult negotiations ahead on the future of the CAP, he added.
However, on balance the UK was faring well against European counterparts.
• Milk prices had declined in the UK less than other EU countries.
• Milk production decline was slower than then EU average and farmers continued to have confidence to produce milk.
• Farmers are exiting the industry at a slower rate than in Europe.
• Milk contracts are more advanced in the UK than they are in any other EU country.
• There is significant investment in processing facilities.
• The UK is the most innovative dairy industry in Europe and the most labour efficient at farm level.
• Dairy companies are investing heavily in milk promotion through multi-million pound Make Mine Milk and Milk in Action campaigns.
Related posts:
- PROCESSORS KEEP THE DAIRY INDUSTRY ON TRACK
- DAIRY UK ARGUES FOR INDUSTRY’S FUTURE
- DAIRY UK TACKLES THE INDUSTRY’S JOHNE’S DISEASE PROBLEM
- Dairy chief urges sustainability
- DAIRY INDUSTRY UNITES TO TACKLE JOHNE’S DISEASE
- DAIRY COUNCIL CUTTING EMISSIONS
- BRITAIN’S GOT BOTTLE, AS MILK GETS THROUGH THE SNOW AND ICE
- BEN & JERRY’S WIN GOOD DAIRY AWARD
