The Dairy Quad takes place regularly between representatives of the NFU, Defra, Dairy UK and AHDB Dairy.
Issues on the agenda included the impact of the EU referendum vote on the dairy sector, exports and an update on the voluntary code of practice.
Clearly the main issue for discussion was the impact of the referendum vote on the dairy industry.
NFU dairy board chairman Michael Oakes said: “It was heartening to hear the Minister’s views on the need to strengthen supply chain relationships including a complete re-look at contracts and the role of the voluntary code. George Eustice was also clear on his views on how the UK dairy sector can succeed outside Europe.
"The UK’s future agriculture policy, he said, will be based on enhanced environmental support, improved animal welfare, help for farmers to deal with volatility and better access and use of innovation and new technologies. From our end we will consult with our membership as to what the future domestic agriculture policy will look like – but that’s only one area of concern. We also need strong trading relationships within and outside Europe, access to labour, science based regulation and a supportive second pillar.”