White Paper- Future Of Industry In Its Own Hands

UK - The industry must respond to the clear message from Government that, going forward, it is responsible for its own prosperity, Dairy UK said with the release of its 2011 White Paper, an authoritative and in depth look at the status of the UK dairy industry.

22 September 2011

2 minute read

Europe

Launching the report, Chairman Robert Wiseman said: “The dairy industry is market driven and hugely competitive. Every link in the supply chain must be able to make a sustainable profit."

“We recognise these are challenging times. That said, innovation, consolidation, efficiency and supply chain co-operation gain are the four key drivers of growth in the UK dairy industry.”

Jim Begg, Director General of Dairy UK, said: “The White Paper is an important and respected part of the continuing debate over the future of the UK dairy industry. By addressing the issues the industry faces comprehensively and clearly it demonstrates the important role dairy plays in all walks of life in the UK.”

In The White Paper Dairy UK makes a range of key points including:

The UK dairy industry is happy to take on the responsibility for its own future. Strong supply chain co-operation will be the route to exploiting solid market fundamentals.

Government can assist with a dispassionate evidence-based approach to the industry and with support for changes in the industry’s technology and production practices, and for its products

The challenges the industry faces are formidable, but by no means insurmountable.

Pressure on consumer spending, due to the recession, has slowed down the rate of price rises in the UK.

Farmers have suffered a significant rise in input costs, which has had a clear impact on confidence.

Although world dairy markets prices are currently at record levels, volatility on world markets will continue to create a fluctuating situation.

Ongoing deregulation of the CAP and the end of milk quotas will open up new production possibilities as the European Commission’s Dairy Package works through to a conclusion.

The industry remains fully alert to consumer scrutiny over its production practices, approaches to animal welfare and environmental integrity. The industry must remain consumer and not production driven.