Calls for First Milk to reverse price cuts
"If everyone works together as an industry I am confident that the Scottish dairy sector will see market benefits both at home and overseas."
Scotland's rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead has urged First Milk to reverse milk price cuts as soon as possible.
Disappointed with the recent price reduction announced to all dairy farmers, Mr Lochead met with First Milk CEO Mike Gallacher to discuss the most effective way to move forward.
Following the meeting, Mr Lochhead issued a statement calling for First Milk to reverse the reduction 'as soon as they are able to do so'.
He added that in order to get the dairy industry back to a place where it can look forward to a brighter future, a streamlined approach would be needed.
"If everyone works together as an industry I am confident that the Scottish dairy sector will see market benefits both at home and overseas," he said.
"Scottish dairy products are up there with the very best in the world and our dairy farmers and processors have a proud tradition of excellence and quality in their products. That is why I want to launch a Scottish dairy brand – by making it easier to identify dairy products that were made here in Scotland, we make it easier for shoppers to choose local options and support their farmers.
"If we all work together to do our bit – retailers, shoppers, the public sector, processors and farmers – we can look forward to a day when the top sellers of dairy in Scotland are the ones made in our country.”
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