Commenting on the informal agreement reached earlier today between the European Council and Parliament on new rules for the milk sector, Dairy UK Director General Jim Begg said that this was a package that the UK dairy industry must now seek to benefit from.

“This is undoubtedly a comprehensive package”, said Begg, “but one that is very much in line with expectations. Given the changes that are likely to take place in other member states as a consequence of this agreement, the Council and the Parliament have done well to achieve a consensus relatively quickly.”

“For the UK, we now need to sit down and consider the opportunities that this agreement brings for the development of the UK dairy sector and we must understand the implications of whatever arises from the new legislation on producer organisations.”

“Throughout the discussions leading up to today’s agreement, Dairy UK has consistently maintained that voluntary contractual arrangements are the most appropriate for the UK dairy industry. Now, with sight of the final package, we remain committed to the view that this is indeed the way to deliver the best outcome for our dairy farmers and milk processors.”