MILK retailers want input into Commerce and Employment’s proposals for the sector. There was a strong reaction just over 10 months ago when the department announced controversial changes to the way milk would be distributed and sold.

Those were put on hold while the Scrutiny Committee undertook a review, which is now complete, and the matter is expected to go to the States later this year.

Commerce and Employment has now entered into consultation with the Guernsey Milk Retailers’ Association.

‘We understand that there are going to be changes and we are not going to bury our heads in the sand and expect none,’ said new GMRA president Jason Piriou.

‘But we feel that the proposals would have been better if they had consulted with the people selling the product first before pressing ahead.

‘If the proposals go through as they stand, the future for the average milk retailer will be very bleak. Some of the retailers with the smaller rounds would be especially affected and would go under along with the retailers whose rounds are mainly shop-based.’

He believes no market research backed the initial proposals.

Retailers have waited 10 months for concrete proposals to be formulated.

‘Although we have been in limbo, with a proper consultation process moving forward we hope we can contribute to a better set of proposals for ourselves, the farmers and the dairy industry as a whole.’

The Dairy recently had to recall milk due to a higher-than-normal bacteria count being found.

‘This last week, things have been better but today ‘Saturday’ there was still problems with product availability this morning.

‘With the problems in the last month, we feel it has highlighted the value of the milk retailers to Commerce and Employment.

‘Our biggest concern was trying to keep consumer confidence in the product.

‘With the product being withdrawn so many times and bacteria being mentioned, there is concern about how the public will conceive these problems.’

The next few months will be crucial to the future of the dairy industry, he said.

‘Regardless of what happens, our rounds have already been devalued and all we can hope is that we can still earn a living from what we have left.’

The GMRA will continue to put pressure on Commerce and Employment to listen to what it has to say before the proposals go to the States.

‘The Dairy management and Commerce and Employment are maintaining they don’t wish to dismantle the distribution network and we are hoping for evidence of this in their next set of proposals.’