NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Use 29 April 2009 BETTER DEAL NEEDED FOR OUR LOCAL FARMERS Mid-Scotland and Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser met with dairy farmers outside the Scottish Parliament today (29 April) to discuss the problems that they and other farmers are facing in Scotland due to not being given a fair price for their produce. At the rally outside Holyrood, organised jointly by Dairy Farmers of Scotland and NFU Scotland, dairy farmers highlighted that the price they receive for their milk has fallen by 20 percent since the start of the 2009. However, against the backdrop of falling prices to farmers, the supermarket price of milk and cheese has been increasing. Murdo wants farmers to be offered a fair share of the margins that the supermarkets are making out of milk and dairy products. Commenting, Murdo said: “Dairy farmers across Scotland are still receiving a price for their milk that barely covers the cost of production. I believe that our farmers in Angus, Perthshire and across Scotland deserve a fair deal for their produce. It is wrong that supermarkets are offering low prices for milk and other products but still making consumers pay more. It is clear that both farmers and customers in Scotland are getting a raw deal. “While dairy products have increased in price to consumers, dairy farmers have not seen any financial benefit and are losing out. I am greatly concerned for the future viability of the dairy industry in Scotland, as smaller producers in particular are being squeezed out of production. “Farmers in Angus, Perthshire and across Scotland are rightly angry that they are getting a bad deal from the supermarkets. I believe that the supermarkets and farmers must work together in order to get a mutually agreeable price for our farmers’ quality produce. “Over the years I have met with many local farmers and discussed the future of Scottish farming. Many farmers tell of the pressures being placed on them and the struggle that they are facing to keep their business viable and worthwhile.” NOTE Figures from NFU Scotland: Despite farm gate prices dropping, the retail prices for fresh milk and cheese have risen by 11.5 percent and 8.2 percent respectively in the past year. A four-pint container of fresh milk cost £1.53 in March 2009 compared to £1.34 in March 2008. Mild Cheddar retailed at £6.61/kg in March 2009 compared to £6.08/kg in March 2008. Mature Cheddar retailed at £9.64 kg in March 2009 compared to £8.29 /kg in March 2008. ENDS   back to top of page