Dairy Crest has today announced a further 1 ppl increase for the 400 farmers on their Davidstow contract. This latest increase has been agreed with DCD and will apply from 15 July 2013.

The Davidstow milk price has a long standing reputation of being at the top of the league table, with this latest increase delivering a standard litre of 32.25 ppl - the highest ever price for this group of farmers.

Group Procurement Director, Mike Sheldon, explained the reasons behind this latest price increase and Dairy Crest's strategy to support its farmers. "Although the weather is starting to improve, our farmers are still facing difficult conditions on farm as they deal with the longer term challenges that resulted from the last 12 months. We recognise the importance of supporting our farmers to enable them to maintain, and where possible increase milk production.

"With the continuing growth in demand for our leading British cheese brands - Cathedral City and Davidstow - we have been very clear in stating that we need more milk. As well as this additional 1ppl price increase, we are enhancing the Volume Incentive Scheme that we currently offer our Davidstow farmers, to further encourage production. This will pay an additional 2ppl on all litres supplied over the 2012/13 base year."

"We made a firm commitment to support our farmers and this package demonstrates that are determined to continue to protect and expand our milkfield in the South West."

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Press Office 01372 472488