The dairy farming sector may have been over-egging its economic problems as it faces up to CAP reform, according to a report by the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers. A survey of 548 producers at this year’s Dairy Event found that only 8% were
considering retirement and 43% were intent on expansion.
Supermarkets and government red tape headed the list of issues worrying dairy farmers. Researchers suggested this demonstrated they had “quite an inward looking perspective.” The report said: “That may not be surprising as farmers have traditionally been protected from the world markets. Feeling that supermarkets are a threat is perhaps not that surprising but it is worrying that farmers are taking a defensive stance.
“The market will always be retailer/consumer-led so farmers should be looking for opportunities to work with rather than against supermarkets.”
n more UK cheese
UK cheese production in the seven months to the end of July was up by 1,800 tonnes, or about 1% year-on-year, after falling throughout 2002 and 2003. Four of the seven months saw year-on-year increases in production varying from 1% to 4%. This reversal of the previous years’ decline has been accompanied by a slight fall in total cheese imports, not seen for many years.
Cheddar imports, particularly from Commonwealth countries and Ireland, have grown 2%. But imports of territorial cheeses are down by over half. Speciality cheese imports are showing an unusual drop, with total imports down by nearly 1,000 tonnes, or about 1%.
UK exports of cheese are doing well. Up to July, total exports reached nearly 53,000 tonnes, 18% more than in the same period last year.
considering retirement and 43% were intent on expansion.
Supermarkets and government red tape headed the list of issues worrying dairy farmers. Researchers suggested this demonstrated they had “quite an inward looking perspective.” The report said: “That may not be surprising as farmers have traditionally been protected from the world markets. Feeling that supermarkets are a threat is perhaps not that surprising but it is worrying that farmers are taking a defensive stance.
“The market will always be retailer/consumer-led so farmers should be looking for opportunities to work with rather than against supermarkets.”
UK cheese production in the seven months to the end of July was up by 1,800 tonnes, or about 1% year-on-year, after falling throughout 2002 and 2003. Four of the seven months saw year-on-year increases in production varying from 1% to 4%. This reversal of the previous years’ decline has been accompanied by a slight fall in total cheese imports, not seen for many years.
Cheddar imports, particularly from Commonwealth countries and Ireland, have grown 2%. But imports of territorial cheeses are down by over half. Speciality cheese imports are showing an unusual drop, with total imports down by nearly 1,000 tonnes, or about 1%.
UK exports of cheese are doing well. Up to July, total exports reached nearly 53,000 tonnes, 18% more than in the same period last year.
No comments yet