TWO new directors have been elected to the board of First Milk, Britain's leading farmer-owned milk business.

Jim Fleming, from Lanarkshire, and Robert Shearlaw, from South Ayrshire, joined the board at its April meeting, returning it to full strength following recent changes that created two vacancies among the elected directors.

First Milk, based at Hallow, near Worcester, represents more than 4,000 dairy farmers, producing about 2.5bn litres of milk a year.

Roger Evans, First Milk's chairman, said he was delighted to welcome two such "committed" directors to the board.

Challenging

"We face continuing challenges with low milk prices and impending reform of the Common Agricultural Policy," he said.

"I am confident that Jim and Robert, with their great experience of the milk industry, will make a strong contribution to First Milk as we develop our strategy to grow the business and expand our presence in dairy processing."

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Fleming said a strong, producer-owned business was vital to protect members' interests.

"We need to continue our work to drive efficiencies and to earn a fair share of the returns available from the market so that we can ensure a future for our members," he said.

Mr Shearlaw agreed.

"I am committed to seeing First Milk go forward and develop into an organisation which will ensure a sustainable future for dairy farming in the UK," he said.