Dairy Action Plan

5. Getting the international rules right

Conditions in the dairy sector in Scotland are strongly affected by international events of various sorts. These range from dramatic changes in market prices to EU rules which impact - for good or ill - on market opportunities. It is important that such issues are debated openly with due account taken of the circumstances in the Scottish sector. Achieving this will require activity in a range of forums.

5.1: European engagement:

• We ensured that the issue was discussed at the EU Agriculture Council in January - and will do so again, as necessary, at future Councils, in particular so as to monitor actively world markets and the impact of the ending of quotas. ( SG)
• We will explore the scope for EU recognition of local products - in particular from remote areas - as Protected Geographic Names. Target: June ( SG/ SRUC)

5.2: UK Government:

• We will press Defra to accelerate the timetable for extending Country of Origin Labelling to dairy. This will include holding Defra to the agreement in the Smith Commission to argue for EU recognition of "Made in Scotland". Target: July ( SG)
• We will work with Defra and others on exploring the potential role for sole form of hedging to help mitigate price volatility. Target July ( SG/ NFUS)