Dairy distribution jobs may still be saved

Jun 15 2009 by Dan Warburton, The Journal

Farmers are 'living on a knife-edge' at sad time

HAROLD Foster last night said his fellow farmers were living on a “knife-edge” waiting to see if they could find a new contract to sell their milk.

Mr Foster, the area representative for DFB members, said dairy farmers in isolated and remote areas were finding it more difficult to sell their milk.

But the Tynedale farmer offered a glimmer of hope to those who have been left stranded following the collapse of the DFB – he has been given a new contract.

Last night he said: “Everybody’s hands are tied and people are living on a knife-edge. Everyone is just waiting to see if they will get a new contract.

“No one knows what is going on and everyone is very concerned.

“We’ve got a new contract, but we are right next to the A69, it’s convenient and milk buyers know where we are. But there are others who have not yet got a contract yet.

“I am concerned about them. This whole thing is very difficult and sad for everybody.”

Dennis Gibb, who sits on the NFU’s regional dairy board, said: “The farms that are most affected are those that are a bit more remote. There are not that many of these but a lot of the buyers will be wary.”