Campaigning farmers planning second London march
A protest that saw more than 2,000 farmers, invluding a number from Shropshire, march through the capital was so successful that organisers are planning to take to the streets and voice their concerns again.
Campaign group Farmers For Action has revealed it is planning a second march in London on June 22 – the day before the EU referendum – to raise further awareness of the issues affecting farmers.
It comes after farmers from Shropshire joined others from across the country last week calling for changes in the industry.
Posting on the FFA Facebook page, co-founder of the group Marilyn Handley said: "On January 26 we asked for your support in London on March 23. Just two months later look what we all achieved.
"Therefore, the clock has been rewound and is now counting down to a new date for your diary in London on June 22.
"So don't throw those whistles and banners away, you will need them again."
Last week's protest saw FFA present a letter of concern to David Cameron at Number 10 Downing Street.
The letter says: "We know that you are fully aware of the serious situation being experienced by virtually all sections of the farming industry.
"Dairy and pigs are probably experiencing the worst prices paid in decades.
"Many are exiting the industry and in the coming months those numbers, if current prices continue, will only accelerate.
"It is urgent we get some direction from the Government as to the way forward."
Rob Newbery, NFU regional director, said: "Some farming sectors have been under severe financial pressure over the past 12 months from low prices, compounded by further cuts this year.
"Any activity which encourages the public to back British farming and highlights the importance of farming to Britain is to be welcomed.
"Aside from our lobbying work directly for our farmer members, the NFU has been at the fore of garnering support for the industry, across all sectors, with its Back British Farming campaign,www.nfuonline.com/back-british-farming.
"We have organised and co-ordinated events and demonstrations of support across England and Wales – most recently taking the message to the streets of London as part of the Lord Mayor's Show.
"The NFU welcomes any activity which supports or builds on this work."
Coaches from Shropshire, including in Market Drayton and Oswestry, left the county to head down to the capital for the march last week.
One of those setting off from Market Drayton was dairy farmer Rob Sutton, 31, from Audlem.
He said he is currently making about £3,000 loss a month and warned he could soon be out of business because of the falling milk prices.
Earlier this month Market Drayton-based Muller announced it would slash its standard milk supplier's price by 1.35p per litre to 20ppl.
