THE Prince of Wales will chat to Yorkshire Dales dairy farmers today (Thursday) when he visits Wensleydale Creamery.
He is expected to meet 15 farmers who have taken part in The Prince's Dairy Initiative (PDI) at the Gayle cheese plant near Hawes.
Twenty-five Dales dairy farmers have participated in the programme, which was launched in 2012 to help secure a viable future for farmers with the support of UK dairy processors, co-operatives and feed companies.
Claire Saunders, director of The Prince’s Countryside Fund, said, “At a time when dairy farmers are under more pressure than ever, it is heartening to hear from farmers who have been helped by The Prince’s Dairy Initiative.
"We are currently recruiting farmers for our fourth year, and hope many more will take the opportunity to benefit from this valuable project at a time when our farm businesses are really struggling.”
Dales dairy farmer Ruth Umplebly said the current volatility had 'hit us hard'.
"However, our attendance at the PDI workshops highlighted a number of positives to take back to farm. If cash flows were not so restricted, we would have looked to make some improvements due to the initiative."
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