Sixty UK dairy farmers left the business in December 2014 alone.

Scottish rural affairs secretary raises issue at council meeting

Concerns about falling milk prices will form part of discussions at the EU Council meeting this week.

Scottish rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead said he will press for action at an EU level to tackle the current 'crisis' facing dairy farmers.

Milk prices have fallen rapidly over the past six months and as a result, 60 UK farmers left the business in December 2014 alone. For the first time, producer numbers have dropped below 10,000.

Mr Lochhead said:  "I met farmers across Scotland last week and it is clear they are worried for their future.

"This is especially true in some of our remote and island communities where dairy farming plays a key role in our wider economy and where this issue could have serious consequences reaching beyond the farm gate."

Farmers in many other EU countries have also been affected by the recent cuts, which are partly due to a Russian trade ban with the EU and reduced demand from China.

"That is why it is crucial," Mr Lochhead added, "that we consider what can be done at a European level to support farmers, protect our dairy industry and safeguard its contribution to our economy and natural larder.

"I hope we can agree on action across Europe that helps to give our dairy industry a brighter future."

Dairy company Arla recently announced it would freeze its February milk price for farmers. It has also made a small increase of 0.06 pence per litre to the forecasted 13th payment. This raises the UK standard litre price to 24.87 pence.