Farmers for Action (FFA) is ramping up plans to disrupt supermarket supplies across the country in the run-up to Christmas.

The threat of nationwide protests follows the continued refusal of retailers to discuss produce prices, said FFA leader David Handley.

“We are looking at accelerating things towards Christmas,” he told Farmers Weekly on Wednesday. “It’s gaining a lot of momentum, and we are looking at widespread action in the second to third week of the month.”

Tesco remains the most likely target – its distribution depots in Southampton and Hinckley have already been the target of two recent protests, and further action is planned this weekend.

But Asda, Sainsbury’s and discount chains remain “on the radar”, said Mr Handley.

“We are stepping things up a few gears from now on. Our membership says Tesco remains the key concern, not only in the milk supply chain, which remains a major issue, but across the board.

“We all know beef margins are being squeezed and squeezed, while retailers continue to make a hell of a mark-up. And apple growers are having to juice or dump fruit because it’s not quite the right colour or shape.”

Mr Handley said supermarkets could still avoid widespread disruption by promising to hold talks. “We want to see farmer, government and retailer representatives get round the table – but it’s just not happening,” he said.

“If we can call it off, we will – but supermarkets will have to listen to our concerns, and act on them.”