PHD’s solution to problems

THE $1.5 MILLION CHEQUE TO STRUGGLING DAIRY FARMERS this week is commendable but the Pine Hill Dairy (PHD) is calling on Government to come again.
The island’s lone milk processor, which has continuously cut its milk intake from farmers in order to secure its own survival in the face of more than $10 million in losses over the past two years, wants an industry-wide solution that not only protects farmers but the PHD as well.
Richard Cozier, the interim chairman of the dairy, told the WEEKEND NATION yesterday that he had no problem with farmers getting cash from Government to keep them in business, but the money was only a quick fix and the problems in the sector were systemic.
The long-term solution which the dairy’s top executive was proposing surrounded a cess on all milk products, including imports. Receipts from that tax would then be given to farmers to reduce the cost at which they sold their fresh milk to the Pine Hill Dairy, resulting in a cut in cost to consumers.