UK dairy farmers are preparing to take action in protest against the “crippling” price cuts that were announced by the country’s largest dairy processors last week.

Robert Wiseman Dairies, Arla Foods UK and Dairy Crest all revealed they will be reducing the price they pay farmers for milk, citing lower selling prices for commodities such as bulk cream. UK co-op First Milk also announced cuts.

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However, a spokesperson for the National Farmers Union told just-food today (5 July) it is considering what action to take in protest against the cuts, which have caused a “crisis situation” for UK dairy farmers.

“The cost of producing a litre of milk is about 30 pence. Farmers are getting paid 25 pence. This situation is totally unsustainable and we need to look at how it can be rectified,” the spokesperson said.

The NFU is holding crisis talks today with fellow farmers’ representatives Farmers for Action to consider what action can be taken.

“The time for talk is clearly over and we must take action before the dairy industry is on its knees. Dairy farmers are already quitting in record numbers and this new round of cuts, many due to come into force on August 1, is likely to be the final straw for many,” NFU president Peter Kendal said.

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FFA chairman David Handley added: “We cannot emphasise enough just how urgent this is – and how this is not just a case of us sitting down to talk. The whole industry is looking to us for action so it is vital that we come up with a practical plan of action that can help reverse these steps which are threatening the entire dairy industry.”