The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers has welcomed First Milk and Milk Link's announcement that they are in talks to fully merge the two farmer owned businesses with a combined total of 4,250 producers and a turnover of £1 billion.

“The announcement of the two co-operative's merger talks has to be applauded,” comments RABDF chairman, Lyndon Edwards. “We trust this will lead to higher and more sustained returns for the farmer members of this new enlarged business, and help to stem the continuing fall out from the sector. We also hope that the proposals will receive support from members of both organisations.”