DAIRY farmers were told in no uncertain terms that a "huge PR job" and a change in negative attitudes was the key to success for the future of the industry.
Quota trader Ian Potter talked tough to the hundreds of dairy farmers who had packed into the Castle Green Hotel, Kendal, for the discussion on the future of the ailing British industry that they had to change their outlook.
When asked by one despondent farmer "How do we get out of this gloom?" he hit back: "The gloom hasn't just suddenly appeared. A significant number of farmers have always tried to find something that's wrong or blame someone else and that has to change. We are in charge of our own destiny.
"There are 26,000 milk producers in the UK. You think the public should buy your product but you do little to market it. We have a big PR job to do and you must promote the industry with a smile."
Also on the panel, at the event organised by the NFU and Barclays, were agricultural specialist for Barclays Bank Euryn Jones, Burton farmer Mike Taylor and chief executive of Dairy Farmers of Britain Chris Bird.
February 7, 2003 11:31
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