NFU Scotland Voices Concerns Over Muller's Acquisition of Yew Tree Dairy
Source: The DairyNews
NFU Scotland has raised concerns about the impact on approximately one hundred dairy farms following the announcement that major milk processor Muller is set to acquire West Lancashire-based Yew Tree Dairy.
Bruce Mackie, Chair of the Milk Committee, commented, “This significant rationalization within the dairy sector will affect a substantial number of dairy farmers across Scotland. The reduction in the number of milk purchasers is troubling, as competition for milk, especially in more remote areas, is crucial for securing fair prices and maintaining dairy production throughout Scotland.”
An upcoming meeting with Muller will provide an opportunity to seek clarification on contractual and collection arrangements, as well as a timeline for the transition. Additionally, NFU Scotland will inquire about Muller's planned investments in the Yew Tree site at Skelmersdale and potential opportunities for Scottish milk.
Mackie noted that affected producers will receive new contracts, which will be among the first issued under the new statutory milk contract arrangements recently approved by Parliament, coming into effect across the UK in July. “On behalf of affected milk producers, we will urge the companies to establish support helplines and producer meetings to address the numerous questions from dairy farmers. A sudden change in milk purchaser and contractual terms is always concerning. Many still recall Muller’s decision to withdraw from Aberdeenshire in 2019, and we will seek firm assurances regarding its commitment to producers in that area who are now supplying Yew Tree.”
NFU Scotland remains vigilant and proactive in addressing the implications of this acquisition to ensure the interests and stability of Scottish dairy farmers are upheld.
Earlier we wrote: Müller Expands Milk Powder Production with Acquisition of Yew Tree Dairy.
An upcoming meeting with Muller will provide an opportunity to seek clarification on contractual and collection arrangements, as well as a timeline for the transition. Additionally, NFU Scotland will inquire about Muller's planned investments in the Yew Tree site at Skelmersdale and potential opportunities for Scottish milk.
Mackie noted that affected producers will receive new contracts, which will be among the first issued under the new statutory milk contract arrangements recently approved by Parliament, coming into effect across the UK in July. “On behalf of affected milk producers, we will urge the companies to establish support helplines and producer meetings to address the numerous questions from dairy farmers. A sudden change in milk purchaser and contractual terms is always concerning. Many still recall Muller’s decision to withdraw from Aberdeenshire in 2019, and we will seek firm assurances regarding its commitment to producers in that area who are now supplying Yew Tree.”
NFU Scotland remains vigilant and proactive in addressing the implications of this acquisition to ensure the interests and stability of Scottish dairy farmers are upheld.
Earlier we wrote: Müller Expands Milk Powder Production with Acquisition of Yew Tree Dairy.
