Rural Payments and Services

Europe discusses milk prices.

Farming Ministers from around Europe discussed the impact of falling milk prices.

Following a meeting in Brussels, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead stressed the importance of helping Scottish farmers take advantage of export opportunities. He also highlighted the importance of the EU continuing to closely monitor the impact of the fall in milk prices on farmers - particularly in remote and island communities.

Mr Lochhead said:

"Scottish dairy products are among some of the very best quality in the world and the Scottish Dairy Growth Board that we have set up, chaired by Paul Grant, is helping the industry capitalise on the global demand for premium products.

"I know the recent fall in milk prices is causing a lot of worry for dairy farmers and it was notable how many countries raised concerns and I was pleased that the EU undertook to closely monitor the impact of the ban.

"I was pleased that we managed to get the fragility of Scottish dairy farms in rural and island communities mentioned - as this just isn't an issue for most of Europe. I will continue to push for them to stand ready to take further action if necessary.

"We will also continue to do what we can in Scotland, where it is crucial that more is done to ensure Scottish dairy products are widely stocked and promoted to make it easy for consumers to buy local options."