800 farmers at Shropshire dairy crisis talks
Farming bosses have warned of further protests if they are not paid a fairer price for milk as they vowed to 'name and shame' supermarkets which fail to negotiate.
Around 800 farmers packed a unique coalition meeting in Market Drayton last night hosted by both the National Farmers' Union and pressure group Farmers For Action.
Officials said more supermarkets were entering negotiations over the price they pay for milk but said an 'ultimatum' had been issued to processors to increase prices by December or face more protests.
They said they would 'name and shame' stores that were not considering their situation by the end of the month.
The meeting was called after it was revealed farmers are now paying around 31.5 pence to produce each litre of milk, but are selling it to dairy firms for only 29.5p per litre. Farmers from as far afield as Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, West Wales and The Wirral packed into the meeting at Market Drayton Livestock Market.
David Handley, president of FFA, was greeted by cheers as he revealed Iceland and Lidl had agreed to negotiate on price.
Mr Handley said he was 'overwhelmed' by the turnout.
He said: "It has been a fight, but there is more to come.
"Don't think for one minute that the fight is over.
"I want to see a price for milk by Christmas of 30p per litre.
