The NFU is to seek urgent talks with Mike Gallacher who has today been announced as the new Chief Executive of First Milk.

The appointment has been welcomed for ensuring a swift change in management and minimising disruption for First Milk members. However, the NFU has reinforced the importance that action is now taken to save farmers from the dire situation they have been forced into.

NFU dairy board chairman Rob Harrison said: “The NFU is pleased that First Milk has moved quickly to find a replacement Chief Executive and we are calling for an urgent meeting with Mike Gallacher to discuss the situation. The priority must now be to move the business forward and identify measures that can reverse the devastatingly low milk prices that farmers are being forced into accepting and to create a sustainable business.

“First Milk members are fed up of rumour about the state of First Milk. We understand that the new CEO will face a difficult time ahead, and with a new page being opened now is the time to be transparent and honest with First Milk members going forwards. We will continue to communicate with First Milk and to support NFU members through this period of change.”