NFU Scotland last week attended a meeting of dairy farmer representatives from Northern Ireland, England, Wales, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland. The meeting of the NFU, Irish Farmers' Association, NFU Scotland and Ulster Farmers' Union representatives was hosted by the Ulster Farmers' Union in Northern Ireland on Thursday 2 and Friday 3 June.

Attendees discussed how the EU Commission is managing the dairy market in response to CAP Reform and as the World Trade talks take shape and how the dairy sector can adapt to these changes. UFU Milk Committee Chairman, Ramsey Stewart, in particular emphasised the importance of dairy farmers from all the regions working together to put forward to Government and the EU Commission a united message.

Other issues discussed by the farming unions included the impact of environmental regulations including the Nitrates Directive, progress on removing the Over Thirty Months Scheme, future of EU milk quotas, and the ongoing impact of retailers on the market place.

NFU Scotland Milk Committee Chairman, Willie Lamont, highlighted the need to ensure fair trade between supermarkets and their suppliers. He said:

"NFU Scotland has called for the establishment of an independent regulator to monitor and regulate the actions of the large multiples. It is very important for dairy farmers that suppliers to the multiples are treated fairly at all times and receive an equitable share of the revenue generated from milk and dairy sales".

NFU Dairy Board Chairman, Gwyn Jones, called on the UK Government to allow more freedom for UK dairy processors and co-operatives to consolidate without breaching competition laws. He said this was vitally important in allowing the industry to be globally competitive.

Irish Farmers' Association National Dairy Committee Chairman, Michael Murphy, said that dairy farmers across the British Isles would be affected by the outcome of the world trade talks. He urged EU negotiators to put forward a strong case on behalf of European dairy farmers to give the industry the necessary time and resources to adapt to future changes. He added that milk processors, whether co-op or private, needed to co-operate and take out costs to help deliver viable prices for milk producers.