A GROUNDBREAKING new milk supply contract on offer to Express Milk Partnership members has received a ringing endorsement from Sir Donald Curry, chairman of the Policy Commission that produced the report on the Future of Farming and Food.

Speaking at EMP's annual meeting last, he said: "We must accept that pressure on commodity prices is not going to go away and that there needs to be innovation and increased efficiency throughout the food chain if businesses are to improve their profitability."

"This can be achieved only through close collaboration between all parties, and this must start at producer/processor level. Express Dairies and EMP have championed this principle since deregulation of the MMB and continue to respond to the changing market with a new contract that offers the opportunity to strengthen the relationship and open new avenues."

The new milk supply contract offers members a seven-year "evergreen" commitment from Express Dairies, plus a minimum price guarantee. Also built in is the facility to implement a capital-raising structure, so that the organisation could invest to strengthen its position if this was in the best interests of members.

"The new contract is all about increased stability, greater security, and long-term business planning for dairy farmers," said EMP chairman Jonathan Ovens.

Members will vote on the new contract at an extraordinary general meeting of EMP on December 10 .