Milk Marketing Board

Milk Marketing Board

The Milk Marketing Board (MMB) was a statutory board established in 1933 in the United Kingdom to control milk production and distribution in the interest of farmers, consumers, and dairies. The MMB was responsible for ensuring a stable market for milk producers while securing a continuous supply of milk for consumers and milk processors.

History

The Milk Marketing Scheme was introduced in 1933, leading to the establishment of the MMB. The scheme was designed to protect milk producers from price fluctuations and market instability. The MMB was given the authority to buy all the milk produced by farmers and sell it to processors and retailers. This ensured a guaranteed market for farmers and a steady supply of milk for consumers.

Structure

The MMB was governed by a board of directors, which included representatives from various sectors of the dairy industry. The board was responsible for setting the price of milk, negotiating contracts with milk processors and retailers, and overseeing the distribution of milk.

Functions

The main functions of the MMB included:

• Buying all the milk produced by farmers
• Selling the milk to processors and retailers
• Setting the price of milk
• Ensuring a continuous supply of milk for consumers
• Providing support and advice to farmers on milk production

Dissolution

The MMB was dissolved in 1994 following changes in European Union competition law. The assets and functions of the MMB were transferred to the Dairy Council and the Milk Development Council.

Legacy

Despite its dissolution, the MMB left a significant legacy in the UK dairy industry. It helped to stabilize the milk market, protect farmers from price fluctuations, and ensure a continuous supply of milk for consumers. The MMB also played a key role in promoting milk consumption and improving the quality of milk.

See Also

• Dairy farming in the United Kingdom
• Agriculture in the United Kingdom
• History of agriculture in the United Kingdom

External Links

• The Dairy Council
• The Milk Development Council