Contact me ...   

T: 01686 625527 / 02920 898342

E: mick.bates@wales.gov.uk

Mick Bates

Press Releases 2006

Click here to send us your views!

Montgomeryshire farmer and AM, Mick Bates, has called on the Labour Assembly Government to step up its efforts to support the Welsh dairy industry.

During an exchange with Rhodri Morgan in First Ministers questions this week, Mick suggested that despite positive efforts to become environmentally friendly, supermarkets are still acting unfriendly towards primary producers.

Commenting Mick said: “Welsh farming’s reputation for producing quality produce is second to none. However, in many cases the payments they receive from supermarkets do not match the quality they produce.

“The problem is so bad that in the dairy industry 60% of farmers fail to cover their costs. That has lead to an average of 3 farmers is leaving the industry each week.

“In Wales we have a statutory commitment to sustainable development. However, there is something distinctly unsustainable about the way supermarkets control the industry.

“Both Rhodri Morgan and Carwyn Jones need to wake up, realise there is a problem and fight to ensure Welsh dairy producers receive a fair and just price for the products so many of us enjoy.”