Call for Shropshire and Powys farmers to stand up and unite
Dairy farmers across Shropshire and Mid Wales were today told to "stand up and unite" by the leader of the Farmers For Action group.
David Handley, the chairman of FFA, said protests outside Morrisons and Asda in the county this week proved dairy farmers would not be "bullied" by supermarkets.
He said: "Following a meeting with Morrisons on the milk crisis last week, we have had a reply back saying Morrisons are not prepared to negotiate anything whilst being targeted by farmers.
"I think a line has been drawn in the sand and am sure I speak on behalf of the majority of farmers when I say we are not going to be bullied by British retailers. All we want is a fair price, a living wage and be able to make a profit from our business."
Police were called on Tuesday when farmers targeted the Morrisons store in Oswestry, clearing its shelves of dairy products in a protest against poor milk prices.
About 50 farmers and their supporters, went into the supermarket as part of a day-long protest across Shropshire.
They removed all the milk from the dairy aisle and putting it in the water aisle to show that the 89p price for two litres of milk was cheaper than bottled water.
Mr Handley, who runs a dairy farm in Wales, said the farmers will have to work together with consumers to beat home the message to large retailers that British products are worth paying more for.
He added: "In recent weeks I have continually said we can win this battle if we stand together. So here is my plea – British farmers, stand up and unite."
