NFU Withdraw Involvement with Dairy UK

UK - The NFU has expressed its deep regret at the replacement of David Curry as independent chairman of Dairy UK.
calendar icon 11 September 2008
clock icon 2 minute read
National Farmers Union

In opting to appoint a processor as opposed to an independent chairman, the organisation has given up on the idea of being a voice for the whole dairy industry and instead has reverted back to being a body representing dairy processors.

Commenting on the announcement, NFU President Peter Kendall said: "Irrespective of the personalities, the decision to move away from an independent chairman means that Dairy UK cannot claim it represents the whole of the dairy industry.

"I would like to commend David Curry for his work as chairman of Dairy UK. We haven't always agreed, but we have appreciated his willingness to engage with the farming sector and for the credibility and presence that he has given the dairy sector politically. He has also ensured that Dairy UK has not been seen as representing one part or another of the dairy industry. To move away from an independent-led association is, in our opinion, naïve and short-sighted.

"We do not believe now that Dairy UK can make any claim to represent farmers. For this reason, with deep regret, we are taking the decision to withdraw our involvement in Dairy UK and I have asked Gwyn Jones to resign as a director of the board.

"I want to stress that the NFU will continue to voice the views and opinions of its farming members not only to Government but also to the rest of the dairy industry. We will continue to have positive and frank dialogue with dairy processors about how to ensure a successful British milk industry, but we will do so outside of Dairy UK.

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