Stephen Crabb, MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, lead a parliamentary debate on the future of UK dairy farming this morning (Wednesday) As this Parliament draws to a close, Stephen is returning to the subject of the first Westminster Hall debate he secured in November 2005 soon after he was elected.

He hoped the debate would provide an opportunity for MPs with an interest in the dairy sector to discuss the progress that has been made in addressing key challenges facing the industry in the last five years, as well as looking forward to what the future holds for Britain's hard-pressed dairy farmers.

Stephen highlighted a number of key events which have rocked the dairy sector in recent months, including the sharp decline in milk prices; the failure to make progress on eradicating Bovine TB and the collapse of Dairy Farmers of Britain in June 2009.

He argued that a strong and profitable dairy sector is vital for UK food security and for sustaining the rural economy in many parts of the country, especially in areas like Pembrokeshire where dairy farming has long formed the backbone of the agricultural industry.

Stephen warned against blanket pessimism when it comes to the dairy sector. He outlined some of the positive developments that are happening within the industry and pointed to a recovery in global demand for dairy produce that will create significant growth opportunities for Britain's dairy farmers.

But he warned that, for many farmers not benefiting from direct contracts with major retailers, the current price of milk does not provide a sufficient margin to enable anything like enough investment in plant and machinery to ensure that the entire dairy farming sector can maintain competitiveness.

Speaking from the House of Commons, Stephen said: “I am very pleased to have secured this important debate on the future of UK dairy farming. I am returning to this issue because many of the challenges affecting the industry, which I highlighted in my first debate back in 2005, still persist.

"The number of dairy farmers has continued to decline and a volatile milk price has left many farmers unable to invest in the modern machinery they need to stay competitive.

"Dairy farming forms the very backbone of the rural economy in West Wales. It is vital that we recognise the importance of this industry for UK food security and for rural employment and work to create a brighter future for our dairy farmers.”