Loading ...Dairy Industry anger grows at Dairy UK chairman change
Following the replacement of the Dairy UK chairman and the NFU’s tough stance on the decision, the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) have added their voice to the growing concerns about the future of the organisation.
Lyndon Edwards, RABDF chairman, recognised the need to give the new chairman the benefit of the doubt but spoke about his concerns for Dairy UK as a cross-industry organisation.
Mr Edwards said: “Dairy UK’s objectives were to bring together for the first time all sectors of the industry, to collectively develop the market and the overall dairy business, and in turn, achieve a sustained improvement to producer milk price. Despite some initial failings, it has more recently achieved some positive outcomes.”
RABDF have not gone as far as the NFU in withdrawing support for Dairy UK but are prepared to give them the benefit of the doubt until they see what direction the new chairman shall take.
Mr Edwards said: “Sir Don Curry, succeeded in the chair by David Curry together brought unique and independent expertise to the table, yet electing a representative from the processing sector goes against that spirit of working for the best for all parties, both farmers and processors.”
“We believe that Dairy UK must think very carefully about its future decision making otherwise it is in growing danger of retrenching into DIAL as a processor organisation.”
“The decision does not bode well for the dairy farming sector at a time when it has never been more important to work together.”
Dairy UK have been putting a brave face on the withdrawal of NFU support and Jim Begg, their chief Executive, said whilst they were disappointed at the decision by the NFU the group would continue to make progress without the union’s support.
It seems all eyes will be on Dairy UK and the new chairman to see whether they forge ahead with a cross-industry stance or move toward a processor body.
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