Milk price “not sustainable”, farm vets warn MPs
23rd August 2023
Vets from the VetPartners group are lobbying their MPs to address the volatility of the milk market, as a time when farmers are facing increased costs.
VetPartners vets are calling for a minimum, farmgate price to be implemented, to ensure a fair deal for producers of milk, other dairy products and meat.
Vets have sent out a letter to their MPs, written by Westpoint Farm Vets clinical director Jack Balkham.
The plea comes as the average farmgate price for milk slipped to 37.6p per litre in May – a near 8% decrease on the same month a year earlier, forcing many farmers to leave the sector.
VetPartners farm director Ian Cure said: “This industry volatility makes it incredibly difficult for farmers to invest in their rural businesses and plan for the future.”
The five-year rolling average farmgate price for milk was 33.65ppl as of May this year – and this has changed very little over the last six years, and it is well documented that costs are at an all-time high.
The industry now estimates the cost of production to be in the region of 40-45ppl. Ian said: “It is therefore clear that this is not sustainable, and something must be done to support British farming, and ensure food security for our country.”
He added: “These vital rural businesses are currently feeling the strain and do not, at present feel they are receiving adequate government support. There has recently been reported, widespread uncertainty regarding ongoing subsidy and financial support, which, with farmgate prices at their current level, are the life support of the rural economy.
“We must act now to support these farmers as they have supported and continue to support us by providing the market with some of the highest welfare and greatest quality produce in the world. Minimum milk pricing to the cost of production is the least we owe them and is vital to ensure the survival of these businesses and our country’s ongoing food security.”
