Conservatives call Dairy Summit
22 June 2009
The Conservatives are bringing together leading representatives from all sections of the dairy industry to consider ways forward for the industry. Commenting on the Dairy Summit, which will take place on Friday 17 July at the House of Commons, Shadow Minister for Agriculture Jim Paice said:
“The collapse of Dairy Farmers of Britain was a devastating blow and highlights the precarious position of the industry.
“Ministers cannot continue to stand by while the countryside and our security of supplies are undermined by the exodus of dairy farmers. It is therefore our job as the Opposition to bring together representatives of producers, processors and retailers. With 14 per cent of producers planning to leave the industry within two years we cannot wait until a general election to explore ways forward at time when confidence is at a dangerously low ebb.
“While the demise of Dairy Farmers of Britain might have been beyond the control of Ministers there is a role for Government to put the industry on a secure and sustainable long-term footing. With demand for dairy products continuing to grow it is vital that the Government does what it can to create the conditions in which the industry can thrive.”