FARMERS are urging States members to back Commerce and Employment’s proposals on milkmen’s exclusivity rights.

The States will debate the issue next week and the Guernsey Farmers’ Association said the department’s plans would be the best way of strengthening the dairy industry.

‘The proposals need to be seen in the context of the wider industry and the department needs to be given backing to drive the industry forward,’ said GFA spokesman James Watts.

‘This would enable farmers to face the future with confidence and with pride in our product and not have to live in constant fear of the threat from imports.’

The GFA has made its view known in a letter to all States members. It believes that giving greater protection on exclusivity rights to the milkmen’s already-strong position would lead to a return to poor sales of by-products such as cheese and cream. That would weaken the Dairy’s position and consequently the sustainability of the whole industry.