02 December 2016 
Cheryl Pick, Projects and Engagement Manager
TUCO (The University Caterers’ Organisation) has become the first procurement network to guarantee a fixed minimum payment to UK farmers for their milk.
The fairly-traded pricing structure assures farmers a minimum price of 30p per litre for standard milk across the life of a contract. The agreement guarantees that a sustainable living wage is paid to farmers and also reflects the investments that producers make in land, livestock and equipment. This helps to protect and future-proof the UK Dairy Industry, which is facing uncertain times and price cuts across the board.
The scheme, based on research carried out among UK dairy farmers and market data, has been developed as part of TUCO’s new milk and bread framework agreement. By making use of this agreement, TUCO members will have full traceability within the supply chain and also have peace of mind that farmers are being paid a fair price for the milk they purchase and are not being placed at a disadvantage in the marketplace.
“Sustainability remains an issue of utmost importance to our members and the wider catering community,” said Mike Haslin, COO at TUCO. “By introducing agreements such as this and other schemes, including unrivalled local sourcing frameworks, we are helping our members to put sustainability at the core of their catering operations. British farming is integral to the economy and its products essential for good nutrition - fair trading is at the core of its survival.”
-ENDS-
For press enquiries please contact Caragh O’Donnell at Speed Communications on 01179 064 553 or via email caragh.odonnell@speedcomms.com.
Notes to Editors
The University Caterers Organisation (TUCO) is the leading membership organisation for in-house caterers operating in the Higher and Further education sectors. It has recently extended access to its procurement frameworks to the wider public sector and is now working with local authorities and NHS trusts across the UK.
As a not-for-profit organisation, wholly owned by its public sector members, TUCO is committed to best practice in purchasing as well as developing its members to achieve across its core policy pillars ‘SHARE, LEARN, BUY, GROW’. Offering a dedicated learning and development programme as well as a safe community environment for members to share.
