Milk tops farming agenda

Concerns about the price being paid for milk to dairy farmers was the key point of discussion for Member of Parliament for Macclesfield, David Rutley, when he met with local farmers and representatives from the National Farmers Union (NFU).

The low amount which farmers receive for their milk from supermarkets has made national headlines in recent weeks. David outlined some of the ways which the Government is working to assist dairy farmers, including urging HM Revenue and Customs to be sympathetic towards the industry, and opening new export markets for dairy produce.

David has been in regular contact with local farmers and the NFU since his election as MP for Macclesfield in 2010, given the importance of food production and the countryside to the local area and our economy. Among those present at the meeting were Mike Gorton, Macclesfield’s NFU Branch Chairman, and Keith Brightmore, Senior Agent and Macclesfield Secretary.

A number of reasons for pressures on dairy prices have been suggested, including low demand in China, as their economy slows down, and developments in the Russian economy, which have resulted in fewer EU imports.

Speaking following the meeting, David said, “I am grateful for the chance to discuss these important concerns in detail with local farmers, and to gain a better understanding of how low milk prices are affecting them. I shall be speaking to George Eustice, the Farming and Food Minister, in the days ahead, to raise these local concerns with him directly. Farmers do invaluable work for the local and rural economy, and are important stewards of our much loved countryside. I look forward to meeting up with the again soon in the near future.”