Shropshire dairy farmers warn of fight if price is cut

Members of Farmers For Action (FFA) have predicted a difficult year ahead and have called for better communication between farmers and milk processors.

But they say farmers are in a better situation compared with 12 months ago.

Last year, farmers from Shropshire took part in a series of protests outside Market Drayton-based Müller Wiseman calling for better milk prices.

They currently receive between 32 and 33 pence for every litre of milk they produce, against a cost of production estimated by the NFU to be around 32.5p a litre.

David Handley, chairman of FFA, said: "Last year was all about dairy farmers needing a sustainable milk price.

"At the beginning of last year it looked like an uphill struggle to get prices up and sustain them. But by the end of the year things were more positive.

"The average price is about 32 to 33 pence a litre. Last September we were looking at 26 to 28 pence.

"It has moved on considerably. We are in a better place but it is still a fragile place.

"Last year showed that if there is an injustice, then a peaceful protest can bring a positive conclusion.When the issue with milk prices has come up in the past, one of the things to resolve it has been farmers taking to the streets.

"There are a lot of resilient farmers out there who won't give up."

Mr Handley added: "It is important that everybody works together, which will play a big part in making milk producers and retailers realise the dairy farming industry in the UK is a vital industry.

"Farmers and processors have to be rewarded for what they produce.

"This year could be very difficult. There is negative talk amongst one or two people.Milk processors suggest prices may come back down.

"If this happens I think you will see farmers up in arms again and there will be more protests.

"This year lays firmly in dairy farmer's hands. If ever they needed to talk to milk processors then this is it. Farmers need to be asked if we need more can you produce more.

"But there is no point them producing loads of milk as prices will come back to a level where we will have an unsuitable situation again."

David Mills, Shropshire NFU chairman, added: "Improvements to market conditions and prices were welcome. Trust within the supply chain, founded on decent contracts and a fairer share of margins has to be the way forward."