SIR, – Dairy UK was established as a cross-industry body and the desire for a united voice across the supply chain is a worthy cause given the multitude of issues our industry encounters.

Where there is common ground, and that covers most industry issues, Dairy UK spares no effort in speaking on behalf of the entire supply chain. Our membership includes farmer-owned co-operatives as well as processing companies and producers and their representative bodies have a voice within Dairy UK through our Farmers’ Forum and at board level.

What Dairy UK has never been and could never be, is an arbiter on milk price. Therefore, when times are tough for producers, tensions rise and frustrations understandably abound.

For the avoidance of doubt, Dairy UK does not take the view that everything in the dairy supply chain is ‘hunky dory’. We are acutely aware of the challenges facing farmers and it’s in everyone’s interests for farmers to have profitable businesses.

There will always be robust debate on the underlying structures of the industry and the functionality of dairy markets, but, generally, the industry shares a common goal of trying to secure a more vibrant and prosperous future.

As global demand for dairy increases, government and industry need to work closely together to seize what opportunities arise. On this front, we continue to work with all who have the industry’s interests at heart. There is much more that unities us than divides us and working constructively together should be for the greater good.

Dr Judith Bryans,

Chief executive,

Dairy UK.