Devon MP holds dairy industry talks

Neil Parish MP, Chairman of the Dairy All-Party Parliamentary Group has hosted a briefing and roundtable discussion on the dairy industry's current and future prospects with senior Parliamentarians. The industry representatives at the meeting were:

•         Dr David Dobbin, Vice Chairman, and Dr Judith Bryans, Chief executive (Dairy UK)
•         Michael Oakes, Vice-Chairman of the Dairy Board (National Farmers Union)
•         Ian Macalpine, Chairman, and Tim Brigstocke, Policy Director (Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers)
•         Stephen Wyrill, Chairman (Tenant Farmers Association)
•         David Handley, Chairman (Farmers For Action)

Commenting on the meeting the Tiverton and Honiton MP said: “I’m delighted all dairy organisations agreed to meet with Dairy APPG members to discuss current challenges in the industry. We are all aware that these are frustrating and difficult times for the dairy sector and I believe it is important to provide a forum of discussion to consider every option available to tackle these problems. Everyone around the table shares the same goal, which is to make this industry more profitable and competitive.

“Milk and dairy products are firm favourites for British consumers and the dairy industry is a key sector in the UK economy. Going forward, there are many ways to support our dairy producers not only by promoting consumption of dairy but also by working hard to dispel myths about dairy production and dairy nutrition.

“In the coming weeks, the APPG will focus on how to support a competitive, innovative and sustainable dairy sector and engage with stakeholders and experts to identify the best ways to do this.”

The purpose of the Dairy All Party Parliamentary Group is to provide a forum for parliamentarians to discuss issues of interest for the dairy industry so that they are fully briefed on developments in the dairy supply chain and to support the development of a sustainable and profitable dairy supply chain.