A hammer blow for producers; Chairman of the North East NFU Dairy Board Martin Burtt on the impact of the news.

THE news that Blaydon Dairy is the latest casualty following the collapse of Dairy Farmers of Britain will come as a further body blow to dairy farmers in the region.

The repercussions will be felt throughout the industry as the processing facilities at Blaydon are used by more than one processor as well as by a host of small local producers with doorstep rounds and other local marketing initiatives.

Over the last few years we have seen the gradual erosion of dairying in the North East and I fear this closure will be another hammer blow for milk production in this part of the world.

From a Dairy Farmers of Britain point of view it's tragic to see our last remaining dairy closing after the loss of the Whitby plant two years ago. From a wider industry perspective the loss of yet more processing capacity will also be keenly felt.

Our thoughts are also with all the staff at the dairy who have now lost their jobs and I have to wonder what the future will hold for the many doorstep deliveries serviced through Blaydon.

This really is a very sad day for the North East region and the NFU will do all it can both nationally and regionally to help our affected members.

The NFU is in regular contact with the receivers and we are meeting again next week to fully understand the implications of this decision.

Farming page special on the disaster at DFB 68