Dairy UK has launched its manifesto for the British dairy industry, setting out what the industry expects of the main political parties as they prepare for the general election in May.

It aims to provide the next government with a blueprint for tackling the major challenges in the dairy sector. To ensure a sustainable and competitive future, the manifesto says that government support is needed to:

• Promote British milk and dairy as nutrient-rich foods in a healthy and balanced diet
• Maintain a safe and secure dairy supply chain in the UK
• Guarantee an environment which facilitates growth and development in the industry.

Billy Keane, chairman of Dairy UK, says, "Our industry is a UK success story. It employs in the region of 80,000 people and the capital investment by leading dairy companies has more than doubled over the last decade. There are, however, a number of ways in which the government can step up support for British dairy products.

"It is important that the Government recognises the nutritional qualities of dairy and encourages consumers to buy British. We would also like government to consider measures aimed at easing the burden of red tape around exports, such as creating a one-stop shop for export health certification, in addition to minimising the burden of regulation through sympathetic planning laws and encouraging competitive energy costs."

Dr Judith Bryans, chief executive of Dairy UK, adds, "Dairy is vital to Britains economy, environment and diet and therefore it is clearly within the governments interest to ensure that the industry is well supported.

"This manifesto will provide the new government with all the information it needs to make the right decisions on behalf of the dairy industry."