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Scottish Parliament to investigate U.K. dairy prices

The Scottish Parliament is going to launch an inquiry into milk pricing in the U.K.   The convener of the Parliament’s Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee says First Milk Cooperative’s delay in paying farmers last week is “only the latest blow to dairy farmers.”  Rob Gibson tells The Courier his committee will be taking evidence from dairy farmers and others in the front line of the dairy industry stating: “It is crucial that we work to find a way to supply milk at a reasonable cost that can sustain the dairy industry in Scotland.”

Price wars among the four major supermarket chains in the U.K. have pushed milk prices to below the price of bottled water in some instances and for many farmers…below the cost of production.

The Scottish Parliament at Holyrood can pass laws on devolved matters-in general, those affecting most aspects of day-to-day life in Scotland.