Plea to support farmers

Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates has called for consumer support in the wake of farmer protests at a Welsh supermarket.

The cry for help has been made after a protest by dozens of farmers at a Ruthin store following rock bottom prices received at the local market for their lambs.

Mr Bates said: "Farmers have a huge backlog of lambs and are reeling from the effects of a real depression in lamb prices.

"The financial pressures are increasing and if interest rates rise then this could result in financial ruin for farmers.

"I urge consumers to support Welsh farmers by buying Welsh produce and in particular Welsh meat.

"With the ban on export and no welfare scheme in place, our domestic outlet is key to aiding the movement of stock and helping the thousands of farmers who can no longer afford to maintain animals on their land.

"Following the relaxation of the restrictions on movement, livestock can now be taken short distances from farm to abattoir to be slaughtered.

"This means that supermarkets can continue to be supplied with Welsh produce.

"We need the support of supermarkets but equally we need the support of consumers.

"I call on consumers to make every effort to support the farming industry at this devastating time. If customers demand Welsh products then supermarkets will have to supply."