RECENT comparisons between the milk price paid in the past by the
Scottish Milk Marketing Board and what some buyers have offered to pay
producers in April, May, and June next year, have drawn an angry
reaction from the SMMB.
''This tactic of comparing the historical price for milk with what it
might be in the future is manipulation at its crudest,'' said board
chairman Andrew Howie. Producers who were tempted by comparisons of what
the board used to pay, and what direct buyers promise to pay, should
proceed with caution, he urged.
''It's comparing apples with pears. How can any producer predict with
accuracy how much better off he will be next year by opting for one of
the direct buyers? Such calculations take no account of the selling
system to be operated by Scottish Milk, or the barrier free market which
will apply.
''None of the guaranteed minimum prices offered by direct buyers in
Scotland to date is more than the 25.495p per litre they are currently
paying the SMMB for liquid milk. Indeed, some prices quoted are a good
deal less, and only apply for the initial three months.''
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