£1m ‘Drink milk’ campaign launched to boost ailing dairy farmers

The government has launched a £1m drink milk campaign to aid ailing dairy farmers during lockdown after they had to bin thousands of litres of milk.

Farms will also be able to claim up to £10,000 each to help them overcome the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. 

The new funding will help support dairy farmers – who together continue to produce over 40 million litres of milk every day – who have seen decreased demand for their products as bars, restaurants and cafes have had to close.

The National Farmers' Union has been campaigning for farmers to have access to a hardship payment after some began to live a "concerning existence" as operating costs stacked up with no ability to sell their milk in sight.

With some dairy farmers facing financial difficulties and excess milk, the new fund will provide support for those most in need.

Eligible dairy farmers will be entitled to cover 70 per cent of their lost income during April and May to ensure they can continue to operate and sustain production capacity without impacts on animal welfare.

It also comes as the government today backed a £1million campaign to boost milk consumption and help producers use their surplus stock.

Environment Secretary George Eustice said:   “Our dairy industry plays a crucial role in feeding our nation and we are doing all we can to ensure they are properly supported during this time.

“We’ve already relaxed competition laws so dairy farmers can work together through the toughest months, but recognise there is more to be done. That is why today we have kick started a new campaign to boost milk consumption and have announced a further package of funding. 

“We will continue to stand alongside our dairy farmers through this difficult time."