BRITAIN’S dairy farmers are facing testing times.

Aside from the general uncertainty many Britons are feeling as the country prepares to leave the European Union, farmers are also wondering how the move will affect what is already a challenging industry in which many are struggling to survive.

According to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), producer numbers for England and Wales stood at 9,538 at the beginning of July 2016, a fall of 21 (0.2 per cent) from the previous month. Compared to the same month last year, producer numbers are down by 239 (2.4 per cent).

A spokesman for the AHDB says: “The challenges many dairy farmers face as a consequence of the current milk price situation and market volatility are of great concern.

“AHDB Dairy provides a range of online tools and resources to help dairy farmers make informed business decisions.”

Dairy farmer John Gullett, from Shelf, spent 60 years in the industry not only producing but also delivering milk to locals doorsteps - a job he is carrying on with his son.

John says the demise of some dairy farms isn’t anything new and has been going on for some time. “There are some who are doing alright but there are too many that are struggling.”

John believes supply and demand is the cause. “The easy answer is supply and demand, that is the cleft stick we are caught in and I am not just talking about England and Wales, there has been an over supply of milk produce.”

But he says initiatives such as the Morrisons Milk for Farmers scheme launched last Autumn, and the Arla Farmers Milk, launched at last week’s Great Yorkshire Show, which gives shoppers the opportunity to pay a little extra on each bottle to help Arla farmers, is a step in the right direction in supporting dairy farmers who are struggling.

“It may help some people,” says John.

“It is a good thing but again it is only going to help a smallish proportion of producers but it will help them, there is no question about that.”

For those farmers who are struggling, John says he has seen many successfully look at ways of diversifying, producing other things they can sell.

Mark Goodall is the fifth generation of dairy farmers at Goodalls Farm in Tong Village. Alongside sending milk daily to Arla, the family also run a successful ice cream parlour.

Mark says the decision to set up the parlour was taken by his father 20 years ago. “It has certainly helped us,” he says.

He also welcomes the launch of Arla’s Farmer’s Milk. “It has got to be a positive move. It has to be a good idea. Anything is better than nothing and it is a step in the right direction.”

The launch of Arla’s Farmers milk from the farmer-owned dairy company is based on research showing that almost two thirds of consumers said they would pay more for dairy products if they know the extra money goes back to farmers.

Arla Farmers Milk was available in ASDA stores from July 12 in a four-pint format with both semi-skimmed and whole milk options at an RSP of £1.20. ASDA branded four-pint milk RSP is 95p and the extra 25p for Arla Farmers Milk will be returned directly to Arla farmers. In line with Arla’s cooperative’s principles, this extra money will be shared among its 12,700 farmer owners.

Jonathan Ovens, Arla Foods amba Farmer Board Director, says: The launch of this new milk is a great boost to our dairy farmers. People want to know more about where their food comes from and who benefits and are willing to pay more if they know it goes directly to the farmers that produce it. As we’re part of a cooperative, the money we receive goes back to the farmers who supply our milk.

“With farmgate milk prices much lower than we would like, we thank ASDA for the continued support of our cooperative principles and also for providing an opportunity for their shoppers to give something back to Arla dairy farmers.”

Chris Brown, senior director, Sustainable Business, ASDA, said: “ASDA has had a strong affiliation with dairy farmers since its formation and this continues today with the support we provide.

“Launching Arla Farmers Milk in Asda provides our shoppers with the perfect opportunity to help farmers in these challenging times. It offers them the choice to pay that little extra for their milk knowing it will go back to the farmers and is another example of how ASDA is supporting the dairy industry.”

Last week’s launch kick-started a nationwide roadshow throughout July and August highlighting the vital work of Arla farmer owners on a daily basis in providing dairy products for the Great British public.