A Decade of Advocacy Realizes Positive Change in the UK Dairy Industry
Source: The DairyNews
In a significant milestone following over a decade of advocacy and campaigning by the NFU's SoS Dairy Campaign, UK farming unions, including NFU Scotland, NFU, NFU Cymru, and Ulster Farmers’ Union, welcome the introduction of new legislation aimed at establishing fair and transparent contracts for all dairy farmers in the UK. This legislation, laid in Parliament on February 21, addresses the longstanding issue of unfair practices and abuses of power in the dairy supply chain.
The impetus for this legislation was the industry-wide consultation held in 2020, driven by ongoing campaigning efforts, which revealed unfair practices within the supply chain. The legislation aims to curb the power imbalances, preventing buyers from unilaterally setting or modifying contract terms without negotiation with the producer and limited notification. This commitment aligns with the Prime Minister’s Farm to Fork Summit last year, emphasizing transparency and accountability in the dairy supply chain.
Key provisions of the regulations include preventing contract changes without agreement, establishing a system for farmers to verify variable prices, and introducing an enforcement regime. The Secretary of State will have the authority to impose substantial financial penalties for breaches, reinforcing the commitment to fair practices.
Leaders from various farming unions expressed their satisfaction with this progress. NFU Scotland milk committee chair Bruce Mackie highlighted the industry's decade-long pursuit of contract reform and acknowledged that while legislation alone may not solve all issues, it empowers dairy farmers to strengthen their negotiating position.
NFU dairy board chair Michael Oakes emphasized the significance of this legislative step in addressing longstanding issues with voluntary codes of practice. He anticipates positive impacts on business security and confidence for dairy farmers, marking a crucial milestone in building a resilient future for the UK dairy sector.
Ulster Farmers Union dairy chair Kenny Hawkes hailed the legislation as a major milestone that establishes minimum standards of contractual practice, providing Northern Ireland's dairy sector with certainty and resilience.
NFU Cymru dairy board chair Jonathan Wilkinson sees the legislation as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the dairy supply chain. He emphasized the added transparency and accountability benefits for the entire supply chain, ensuring Welsh dairy farmers and consumers worldwide benefit from climate-friendly and nutritious milk.
In conclusion, the introduction of this legislation represents a turning point for the dairy industry, signaling a commitment to fair and transparent practices that will contribute to the sustainability and resilience of the UK's dairy sector.
Key provisions of the regulations include preventing contract changes without agreement, establishing a system for farmers to verify variable prices, and introducing an enforcement regime. The Secretary of State will have the authority to impose substantial financial penalties for breaches, reinforcing the commitment to fair practices.
Leaders from various farming unions expressed their satisfaction with this progress. NFU Scotland milk committee chair Bruce Mackie highlighted the industry's decade-long pursuit of contract reform and acknowledged that while legislation alone may not solve all issues, it empowers dairy farmers to strengthen their negotiating position.
NFU dairy board chair Michael Oakes emphasized the significance of this legislative step in addressing longstanding issues with voluntary codes of practice. He anticipates positive impacts on business security and confidence for dairy farmers, marking a crucial milestone in building a resilient future for the UK dairy sector.
Ulster Farmers Union dairy chair Kenny Hawkes hailed the legislation as a major milestone that establishes minimum standards of contractual practice, providing Northern Ireland's dairy sector with certainty and resilience.
NFU Cymru dairy board chair Jonathan Wilkinson sees the legislation as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the dairy supply chain. He emphasized the added transparency and accountability benefits for the entire supply chain, ensuring Welsh dairy farmers and consumers worldwide benefit from climate-friendly and nutritious milk.
In conclusion, the introduction of this legislation represents a turning point for the dairy industry, signaling a commitment to fair and transparent practices that will contribute to the sustainability and resilience of the UK's dairy sector.
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