NORTHERN-based Premier Milk Producers (PMP), one of the largest groups of direct sellers in England, is backing the wholesale transfer of contracts to The Milk Group.

At a special meeting held in late July, PMP members gave their majority support to the board's recommendation to resign their direct supply contracts and sign up with The Milk Group.

"There remains a strong and determined groundswell of support to join farmer-owned businesses," reported PMP chairman, Michael Wallbank. "Producers continue to be dissatisfied with the way things are and the reasons for major structural change at the producer level remain as compelling as ever.

"Were it not for the impact of foot-and-mouth, our own decision to follow the farmer-owned route would have progressed that much quicker. But the timing is now very opportune for PMP members to make a move."

As part of its on-going recruitment campaign, The Milk Group is now targeting producers across Yorkshire in a bid to gain further ground in the north and to help the company achieve its growth target of two billion litres.

For further information about the group and its membership package, producers should contact Jim Bebb on (01829) 772100. For further information about Premier Milk Producers, producers should contact Michael Wallbank on (01756) 795469.

Updated: 09:56 Thursday, August 30, 2001