Shropshire dairy farmers warn of more milk protests
Farmers have warned of two possible protests at the biggest dairy in Shropshire this week.
Campaign group Farmers For Action said if bosses at Müller Wiseman do not increase the price they pay for milk they will blockade the dairy giant's UK headquarters in Market Drayton.
The latest vow comes after about 150 farmers protested outside the building off the A53 on Sunday evening. They blockaded the entrance for three or four hours to "make a statement".
The farmers leant against new barriers that the dairy giant has erected by the roundabout in the wake of a series of wildcat blockades last year. And FFA bosses say they will continue to step up the pressure for higher milk prices because they are still getting paid below the cost of production.
Spokesman Paul Rowbottom said: "They have said to us there is no more money but if someone else goes up they will match it, it is ridiculous.
"The majority of farmers are behind on bills, they think they have got all the answers but they haven't."
Müller Wiseman pay a standard rate of 31.5 pence per litre, with an extra penny as a production incentive. The price is about 25per cent up from October last year and the company also offers a formula based contract for up to 33.27ppl. But Mr Rowbottom said the cost of production currently stands at 33.5ppl.
"You're wanting 35ppl to be making money," he added. Two more protests are possible at Muller Wiseman this week. I have got far better things to be doing than protesting, but if we get the farmers' support then we'll be there."
A spokesman for Müller Wiseman Dairies said: "These individuals are intent on harming our business at a time when we are expanding and creating new employment in Shropshire.
"We question their logic given that we offer farmers a choice of leading contracts, one of which has a direct link to returns from commodity markets. It shouldn't be forgotten that over and above this, Müller Wiseman producers are entitled to valuable incentive payments.
"All of this has been developed in consultation with farmer representatives. For militants with no connection to our company, some of whom do not even own dairy cows, to simply ignore this is counter-productive and damaging."
