West Cornwall MP, Derek Thomas, has welcomed news of a proposed new scheme to help struggling local daily farmers.

This EU initiative would see the establishment of a futures markets in dairy products which would reduce the issue of price volatility which UK dairy farmers have to contend with.

Derek Thomas MP supports the idea which has been championed by the South West Region MEP, Julie Girling. It is due to be examined by a new task force set up to look for ways to strengthen the position of UK farmers in the food supply chain.

The Agricultural Markets Task Force, established by EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan, will also look at issues such as market transparency and the legal aspects of farmers acting collectively.

Speaking about the announcement Mr Thomas said: I fully support any initiative aimed at supporting our dairy farmers. They are essential to our local economy and help to ensure our food security. I will be meeting with Julie Girling this Spring and will be seeking assurances that the interests of local farmers will be adequately represented.”

The move has also been welcomed by Mrs Girling and fellow Conservative MEPs.

Mrs Girling said: "Along with the Government, we have been leading calls for more than a year to establish a futures market for the hard pressed dairy sector. It is good to see that message is gaining ground and that Mr Hogan wants to look into the idea's potential."