Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has called for the UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to intervene and support dairy farmers struggling due to the Coronavirus crisis.
Dairy farmers across the whole of the UK have been dumping thousands of litres of milk after demand from cafes, restaurants and offices plummeted following the coronavirus lockdown.
The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) said that without financial assistance, some farmers may have to cull thousands of cows and could struggle to survive the pandemic – meaning a shortage of milk when restrictions are finally lifted again.
In light of this, James, along with other Conservative MPs from Wales, has sent a letter to George Eustice MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, calling for DEFRA to intervene and implement a support package for dairy farmers.
James said:
“At the beginning of 2020 the dairy market was in a strong place. However the restrictions imposed since the Covid-19 outbreak have caused a stark imbalance in the sector. Retailers are reporting unprecedented demand while the food service sector has all but collapsed.
“While it is possible for some wholesale supply to be redirected to consumers, a large majority of milk aimed for the hospitality sector will need to be wasted. In just a few short weeks dairy farmers across North Wales, and the rest of the country, have seen their routes to market close.
“To tackle the impact of this pandemic, the UK Government has launched an unprecedented package of support for both businesses and individuals. The scope of the measures announced so far are incredibly wide-ranging. However, unfortunately many farming businesses fall outside the schemes announced so far.
"I am therefore calling on DEFRA to engage with the Chancellor to discuss whether any amendments can be made to the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme.
“I know DEFRA is working closely to scrutinise the range of support options available, but it is vital that they intervene quickly in this instance and implement a financial support package for our struggling dairy farmers”.
