Dairy farmers prepare to march on London

Dairy farmers have pledged to march on Downing Street amid growing concern over cuts in milk prices paid to producers.

In an email to supporters, the Farmers For Action pressure group said it was preparing to march through through London within the next two months.

“It will  probably take place the second or third week in March on a weekday, ending in Hyde Park, whereupon a letter will be delivered to prime minister David Cameron on behalf of the farming community.”

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Farmers For Action said it needed at least 1,000 people to attend the march, saying it would not take place unless enough people pledged their support.

“We would urge all interested parties to pass the information around to relatives, friends, neighbours, ancillary businesses. Let’s make this happen.”

The decision to protest comes as First Milk again dropped its ‘A’ price to farmers.

The farmer-owned co-operative announced it was dropping its February “A” milk prices for producers in the Midlands, east Wales and Scotland.

Milk producers in the Midlands and east Wales balancing pools will see their milk price fall by 0.62p/litre, while those in Scotland will have their price reduce by 0.19p/litre.

The “A” milk price for producers in all other milk fields will remain unchanged.

Meanwhile, Dairy Crest is to slash its Davidstow milk price by 1.6p/litre from 1 March 2016, meaning its 400 Dairy Crest Direct suppliers will receive 22.72p/litre.

Dairy Crest head of procurement Ruth Askew admitted it was disappointing news, but emphasised dairy markets were under extreme pressure and milk supply remained high.

Concern has also been expressed at suggestions that Tesco is on the verge of inflicting further pain on the sector by changing how it sources liquid milk.

Farmers fear the retailer’s latest tendering process will see 200m litres of business removed from Arla and a greater share given to Muller Wiseman.

A Tesco spokeswoman confirmed the company had regular conversations with its processors and suppliers. But she added: “This is speculation and we don’t comment on speculation.”

NFU dairy board chairman Rob Harrison urged Tesco to set the record straight on its intentions, saying it was important that milk producers knew where they stood.

He added: “Rumour and speculation about changes to dairy contracts is unsettling and unhelpful.”

Both Arla and Muller have declined to comment.