A UK roundtable event to discuss the disruption that Covid-19 is causing in the dairy sector was held last week, addressing concerns over the reported dumping of milk.

NFU Scotland milk committee chairman Gary Mitchell commented: “The widespread dumping of milk in other parts of the UK shows how desperate the situation is. In Scotland, some producers have already been instructed by their milk buyer to limit output and some limited dumping of milk is taking place," he explained. "With the Spring flush in milk production looming ever closer, the difficult times we find ourselves are not going to get any easier."

He urged for measures to be introduced to ensure stability in the dairy sector in both the short and long term as a 'matter of urgency'.

“With food service and catering outlets closed, a retail sector that is fully stocked with home produced milk and dairy produce is crucial," he continued. "The potential for milk processors and retailers to be exempt from competition laws at this time to allow supply and demand in milk and dairy products to be managed as efficiently as possible would be a positive development.

“At retail level, action taken by NFU Scotland has already seen the rationing on milk and dairy in some stores thankfully brought to an end.

The dairy sector dominated the agenda of a Defra meeting last week and Environment Secretary George Eustice has answered calls to relax competition laws: “We have temporarily relaxed competition laws to enable retailers, their suppliers and logistic services to work together to feed the nation. I also urge any farm business to access the loans that are available – like other businesses across the UK, they can access loans of up to £5 million from their bank, with the first year of payments interest-free.

“I will remain in regular contact with the NFU and other representatives from the dairy sector to ensure they are supported through this difficult period,” said Mr Eustice.

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