Milk producers' plea

One of the country's top milk producers yesterday claimed that his input costs could rise by as much as 3p per litre this winter as a result of increases in feed, fertiliser and fuel costs.

Jimmy Mitchell, NFU Scotland's milk committee chairman, demanded that all processors and retailers factor in the surge in production costs when considering milk prices paid to farmers this coming autumn and winter.

The union is calling on the country's largest multiple retailer Tesco to set the pace in increasing the price of raw milk.

"Tesco as the biggest retailer of milk and dairy products in the land, is of huge importance to the industry and also has the opportunity to set the tone for the whole market.

"The imminent announcement on the price to be paid by Tesco will set the trend."