County Milk Products Raises Concerns Over Low Milk Prices and Sector Challenges

County Milk Products has expressed serious concerns about the potential long-term harm to the UK dairy industry due to persistently low milk prices. In a recent meeting with Esther McVey, MP for Tatton, the Wilmslow-based dairy producer emphasized that current government policies are contributing to rising costs and endangering the sector's future.

Philip Langslow, director at County Milk Products, noted that these low prices could lead to structural damage within the industry. He stated that the company's investments continue despite the current administration's policies, which include increased taxation and national insurance rate hikes.

The meeting also included representatives from the Provision Trade Federation, a national trade body for the UK's food processing and manufacturing sector. Rod Addy, the director general, highlighted that businesses in the food and drink sector are facing unprecedented volatility, which poses a threat to future investments.

He pointed out specific challenges such as rising national insurance contributions, increases in the national minimum wage, and new packaging waste disposal regulations. Addy was optimistic about the MP's response, indicating a willingness to collaborate on bringing industry concerns to policymakers.

Esther McVey acknowledged the challenges facing the dairy sector, citing increased energy prices, new employment legislation, and the impact on day-to-day operations and investment decisions. She committed to raising these issues in Parliament to ensure that the concerns of the dairy industry and local producers are adequately represented.

The UK dairy sector annually produces approximately 15 billion litres of milk from over 10,000 farms, underscoring its significant role in the national economy.