Speaking after meeting dairy farmers from across the UK at a protest at Westminster, Dr Whiteford said:
“The milk supply chain is not operating fairly and the UK Government must act to increase pressure on the major retailers and processors to provide producers with a return that properly rewards their commitment and reflects the cost of production.
“Scotland’s dairy farmers produce a high quality product for which they deserve a fair price. The cut of two pence per litre of milk due to be introduced in August will leave farmers at a loss, paying more to produce than sell. This is wholly unsustainable and threatens the future viability of the sector.
“While welcoming efforts encouraging the milk processors and producers to agree a voluntary code of practice to tackle current price imbalances I welcome the Scottish Government’s readiness, if they fail to act, to legislate.
"The summit today will give farming unions and their members the opportunity to voice legitimate concerns over the future of their industry. With livelihoods at stake I fully intend to join them in putting pressure on the Government to act in the interest of ordinary working people, both buyers and producers."