MMG Dairy Farmers Ltd (MMG) has today confirmed its new status as a Dairy Producer Organisation (DPO).
Following an application to the Rural Payments Agency, MMG’s application was ratified and formal recognition as a DPO was granted as of 30 September 2024.
Benefits are not limited to but include:
➢ Being recognized by DEFRA as the de-facto negotiating body for a group of producers.
➢ Ability for MMG to act fully on behalf of producers when dealing with proposed milk supply contract changes, looking out for the producers’ best interests.
➢ Ensuring Müller has a requirement to consult with a representative body before making changes.
➢ Ensuring milk price discussions are transparent and justifiable going forward.
Grant Hartman, chair of MMG Dairy Farmers Ltd said:
“Becoming a DPO reinforces our working relationship with Müller, and ensures we are being governed in a professional manner. As a Board, we are excited by this step and look forward to representing our members as the UK’s largest Dairy Producer Organisation.”
Richard Collins, head of agriculture at Müller Milk & Ingredients said:
“We are working in partnership with our suppliers, the great British dairy farmers. We’re proud of our strong working relationship with the MMG and were delighted to support them with their DPO application.”
MMG Dairy Farmers Ltd is the representative body that represents approximately 1200 dairy farmers that supply Müller Milk & Ingredients. The Fair Dealing Obligations (Milk) Regulations 2024 provided for the creation of Dairy Producer Organisations to act as official representative bodies negotiating on behalf of a group of dairy producers.