Blockaded milk processor unable to fund increase
23 Jul 2012
London - Robert Wiseman Dairies Statement has responded to the ongoing blockade by dairy farmers at its milk processing plants around the UK
The company, which supplies almost a third of Britain’s fresh milk, has six dairy sites - Aberdeen, East Kilbride, Bellshill, Manchester, Droitwich Spa and Bridgwater
“We fully understand the strength of feeling amongst dairy producers and continue to engage with those with an interest in the dairy supply chain,” said a spokesman for Robert Wiseman Dairies:
But, he stressed “we are not in a position to fund a milk price at the level it was prior to the global collapse in the value of cream.
“It is our hope that the market for liquid milk and bulk cream, which is at the core of this issue will quickly find a balance which will allow us to return improved prices to farmers.”
UK dairy farmers are protesting against reductions in prices they receive from milk processing companies and, in turn, large supermarket chains.
Another major processing company Arla Foods has faced blockades at its plants in Leeds and Leicestershire, but has not issued a general statement about the situation.
Arla is currently looking to recruit dairy farmers to supply a £150-million fresh milk dairy in Aylesbury, UK, which is due to start up in 2013.
The new dairy will have a capacity to process and pack up to one billion litres of milk per year and is expected to create 700 new jobs.
