MP WELCOMES MILK PRICE INCREASE BUT SAYS MORE MUST BE DONE TO HELP DAIRY FARMERS

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has today welcomed news that Meadow Foods - the UK's leading independent dairy group - are increasing their producer milk price from 1st October .

All farmers will benefit from the 1.67 pence per litre (ppl) rise, given that the increase is not linked to any new quality or production targets. The increase will raise the Meadow Foods standard litre price inCumbriato 28.46ppl.

Cumbrian milk producers should also be in line for an additional 0.12ppl as a new profile payment scheme starts.

An average producer inCumbriareceiving the further 0.12ppl will therefore be on a standard litre price of 28.58ppl.

Tim said: "This news is welcome but is only a small step in the right direction. Meadow Foods are showing that the sector realises that we need to support farmers. As the new supermarket ombudsman comes into being, we must continue to push for fair trade for dairy farmers."