MORE SUPPORT NEEDED FOR DAIRY FARMERS- WILLIAMS

10.06.08am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 22nd Oct 2008

Commenting on reports that Wales has seen a decline of nearly 50% in the number of dairy farmers over 10 years, Liberal Democrat Food and Rural Affairs Spokesperson and Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, Roger Williams MP, has called for better contracts between farmers and retailers.

Mr Williams said:

"After a wet summer and with increasing production costs this expected but grim news will cause much concern within Welsh farming,

"The Liberal Democrats have long been calling for a Supermarket Ombudsman, as recommended by the Competition Commission, to ensure a better deal for suppliers from retailers and this is yet another reason for establishing such a post.

"We also need to see stronger contracts for suppliers and a guarantee of long term price security to restore confidence to this key industry.

"It is vital that the Government and major retailers move quickly on this issue in order to reduce any further decline in the numbers of Welsh dairy farmers and the impact that this would have on the rural economy."

NOTES:

Ten years ago there were 4,270 dairy farmers in Wales. Last month the number of milk producers was almost half that figure at 2,143.