AM SPEAKS OUT OVER NEW YEAR MILK PRICE CUTS

NATIONAL Assembly Member for Monmouth, Nick Ramsay, has today spoken of his disappointment over announcements of New Year milk price cuts.

According to NFU Cymru, dairy company Arla has cut its milk price to farmers by 2 pence per litre and First Milk by 1.25 pence per litre.

Local AM Nick is deeply concerned that these price cuts can only harm the already fragile dairy sector further.

Speaking earlier Nick said: "For too long now farmers in Monmouthshire have not been getting a fair price for their produce. It is a fact that many people in the agricultural sector, dairy farmers bring one such example, have incomes below the official poverty line.

"Agriculture is massively important to Monmouthshire. The announcement of New Year price cuts is a massive blow.

"If local farmers continue to not receive a fair price for their produce I fear for the future of the industry; at present there are less than 100 dairy farms left in the area.

"All those involved in the dairy chain must pay farmers a price that allows them to remain in business. The dairy industry is in a fragile state and any further price decreases will only serve to harm the sector further."