Steep Drop In Cumbria Dairy Industry - Farron

South Lakeland MP Tim Farron has called on the government to do more to support dairy farmers, as the latest figures show that the number of dairy farms in Cumbria has dropped by over 300 in the last ten years.

The figures, produced by the independent House of Commons Library, show that between April 2006 - April 2016, there has been a 28% decrease in the number of dairy farms in Cumbria.

There are currently 784 dairy farms left in Cumbria, compared to 1089 ten years ago. In the last year alone, 17 dairy farms in Cumbria have closed.

The NFU has warned that many dairy farms are operating at a loss and are unable to receive any more finance from banks.

Tim said: "Farming is essential to our area and our communities, and it is extremely worrying that the number of farms has been dropping so rapidly. Many local dairy farmers face the prospect of significant losses and debts, and more farms will close unless the government acts now.

"Dairy farmers face a volatile world market, but the government should be doing more to support them at this difficult time. The government should be doing more to ensure fairness in the supply chain - I have called for the Groceries Code Adjudicator's remit to be extended so that dairy farmers can get a better deal in their negotiations with processors and supermarkets. The government should also be doing more to support the marketing and export potential of dairy."