The UK standard litre price has increased by 0.03ppl to 25.83ppl, following confirmation of the exchange rate used in the currency smoothing mechanism to convert the milk price for this quarter. This increase has been backdated to April 1 2015.
NFU dairy board chairman Rob Harrison said: “With Arla being the largest milk buyer in the UK, today’s news of a price hold into May will be a welcome relief to their members and brings much needed stability when we are still experiencing volatile markets and concerns on the impact of the spring flush on milk prices.
“We are challenging all processors to react to these changes in the market appropriately and quickly in order to alleviate the huge pressure facing our dairy farmers.”
Commenting on the decision to hold the milk price, Ash Amirahmadi, Arla Foods UK head of milk and member services, said: “Commodity markets continue to show their recent negative trend and trading conditions are difficult. We maintain our focus on maximising the returns for our members at a challenging time.”