I've co-signed a letter about the recent drop in the milk price received by dairy farmers

Proud to co-sign this letter raising concerns about the significant recent drop in the milk price received by dairy farmers.

One milk buyer, Parkham Farms, confirmed an 8ppl drop for November to 35.5ppl, representing an 18% reduction. Freshways and dairy co-op Arla Farms also confirmed similar drops.

This threatens to accelerate the already growing trend of farm closures, with House of Commons Library research, commissioned by the Lib Dems, finding that the number of dairy farm holdings has fallen by more than 30% since 2015.

Clearly our dairy farmers need greater support. The Lib Dems have repeatedly called for the Grocery Code Adjudicator to be strengthened, better resourced, and its remit expanded to ensure fairness in our supply chain and end one-sided contracts.

As I highlighted in a debate earlier this year, it is shocking that 61% of farmers are concerned that they will not be operating within the next year but only 25% of them believe that the big six grocers support British farmers.

The recent drop in milk price shows this lack of support is not isolated to the big six grocers.

The letter asks how DEFRA will support British dairy farmers facing additional financial pressures. I asked the former Farming Minister a similar question back in March and the response was less than satisfactory. I hope the new Minister will give greater clarity.