Dairy farmers supplying Müller who meet the conditions for the company's 'Direct Premium' will be offered a milk price of 27.25ppl from May 1 this year, an increase of 1ppl.

Operations director at Müller Milk and Ingredients, Rob Hutchison, explained: “Following strong consumer demand for dairy products like fresh milk, yogurts and butter, the whole supply chain is currently under considerable pressure. We are facing into uncertainty, but we have a resilient supply chain and are well placed to deal with it.

“The milk that we collect from farms across Britain plays an absolutely vital role in helping to feed the nation," said Mr Hutchison. "So we are committed to doing everything we can to support our farmer suppliers, while maintaining first-class customer service levels and meeting strong consumer demand.

“To meet recent demand, we have significantly raised our total output. But with demand expected to remain high, and some employees absent due to self-isolation, we’re also looking for up to 300 additional colleagues to play a key role in manufacturing and delivering a range of essential dairy items," he added.

“At this time of national crisis, the whole supply chain is really pulling together to make sure that the nutritional benefits of dairy are available to every household in the UK.”

NFU Scotland milk chairman Gary Mitchell said: “The next couple of months are going to be a challenge, but this increase from Muller is positive news for their producers. Muller Direct farmers need to be paid a sustainable price and this is a positive first step in right direction in securing long term supply of such a vital ingredient to our daily diet. It is hoped that the whole supply chain appreciates the role of all the dairy farmers in Scotland and that this is demonstrated in both the short and long term, as we continue to see demand for dairy products.

“Costs on farm continue to rise and this is in addition to the uncertainty we are all experiencing for the coming months. It is clear for all to see that Scotland’s dairy farmers are resilient, and you can be assured that NFUS are doing everything we can in discussions with key stakeholders to help at this this time.

“I would urge all farmers please please visit our ‘Coronavirus section’ on our website which is updated on a daily basis to furnish farmers with as much relevant information as possible. It is also important to stress that all farmers, their families and staff, must stay safe at this time and I would urge all to follow government guidelines to ensure we all get through this together.”

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