Price deal ends Muller Wiseman dairy protests
Dairy giant Muller Wiseman this afternoon revealed a record increase in the price it pays farmers for milk to end a summer of bitter protests.
The Market Drayton dairy will pay 29 pence for every litre of milk from 300 suppliers from October 15, an increase of 2.57p. It is the largest single price rise it has ever introduced and the move has been welcomed by county farmers.
The increase will apply to all dairy farmers who supply the company except those aligned with customers like Tesco, Sainsbury and the Co-operative Group, which have their own deals.
Pete Nicholson, Wiseman's milk procurement director, said: "Whilst this has been a challenging period for the dairy supply chain, a platform now exists from which the industry can look forward."
John Mercer, NFU regional director, said: "The rise is welcome, however, it is important increases are lasting and industry wide.
"We need to continue to see that commitment so Shropshire dairy farmers have the confidence to continue in the sector and invest in their businesses."
New Environment Secretary and North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson said: "It's obviously good news for farmers.
"It was very unfair that farmers could be cut off at the knees and were being tied into year-long contracts, so it's good that the milk price is showing signs of picking up again."
All the major dairies announced cuts in the farm gate price between April and June, forcing the rate down to around 26 pence per litre, and sparking protests.
