ALTHOUGH Arla Foods amba is decreasing its on-account price for conventional milk by one eurocent per kilogramme from May 1, the UK Arla Farmers board has decided to maintain the conventional price in the UK at 28.13p per litre.

Commenting on the decision, Arla Foods amba board director Jonathan Ovens said: “The one eurocent Arla Foods amba reduction has been fully reflected in UKAF’s cash flow.

“However, to avoid the unintended consequence of a double on-farm impact of a milk price reduction at the same time as maximum seasonality deductions, the board has adopted a pragmatic and prudent approach to use expected future benefits from the currency exchange mechanism to balance the milk price throughout May.

“Over the calendar year of 2017, and in accordance with Arla's farmer-owned principles, the cash flow will be balanced and money in will equal money paid out.

“The UKAF board will continue to carefully monitor the cash flow and ensure that the integrity of the Arla Foods amba payment model is protected.”