NFU Scotland Milk Committee chair Bruce Mackie said: “This is a major rationalisation within the dairy sector and will affect a significant number of dairy farmers across Scotland. In the last few hours, five Yew Tree suppliers have already contacted the Union.
“Any contraction in the number of available milk purchasers is clearly a concern as competition for milk, particularly in more remote milk fields, is an important factor in not only securing a fair price but maintaining dairy production in all parts of Scotland.
“We have a good working relationship with both Muller and Yew Tree. Members of the Milk Committee have had dialogue with Yew Tree representatives in recent months and we are schedule to meet Muller in the next few days. That will allow us to seek clarification on contractual and collection arrangements as well as a timescale for the change taking place. We would also seek more information on the planned investment by Muller in the Yew Tree site at Skelmersdale and whether that brings opportunities for Scottish milk.
“What we do know is that affected producers will be issued with new contracts and that these will be amongst the first to be issued under the new statutory arrangements for milk contracts, recently agreed by Parliament and which come into force across the UK in July.
“On behalf of affected milk producers, we will be looking to the companies to quickly set up support helplines and producer meetings to answer the many questions that affected dairy farmers will have. A sudden change in milk purchaser and contractual arrangements is always a time of worry. Many will also point to Muller’s decision to walk away from Aberdeenshire in 2019 and we will be seeking cast iron reassurances on its commitment to producers in that area who are now supplying Yew Tree.
“If NFU Scotland or the Scottish Dairy Hub can assist any affected producers, then we urge them to get in touch
