UK milk production sinks to its lowest level in 37 years

Figures from the Rural Payments Agency have found that between April 2007 and March 2008, milk production in the UK decreased to 13.2 billion litres. This figure has fallen from the 2006/2007 figure of 14.1 billion litres. This reduction in the amount of milk being produced is being caused by the increase in the consumption of milk and cheese. In the last 12 months, milk consumption has grown by around 3%, and the demand for home-produced, local milk and dairy products is also rising. Therefore, unless action is taken to increase production, the UK could be experiencing shortages of British milk, cheese and other dairy products. Willie Lamont, NFU Scotland Milk Committee Chairman and a diary farmer from Ayrshire, expressed his concerns: "We aren't far off a situation whereby shoppers may not find the full range of British dairy products on the shelves. Shortage is a real threat. "Dairy farmers are giving up milking cows because to produce milk is, at best, bordering profitable. People are starting to say enough is enough and are leaving the industry" Lamont continued: "If we want to ensure that the UK population can continue to find the fresh milk it needs for its cornflakes and the cheese for its dinner table, then all those involved in the dairy chain must pay dairy farmers a price that allows them to remain in business and invest for the future." Weblink: www.nfus.org.uk