Farming industry unites to fight “catastrophe”

 

Leaders from NFU Scotland, NFU Cymru, Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) and Farmers for Action came together in an industry show of strength after what they collectively described as a “catastrophic three months for the sector”.

 

The representatives called for all milk price cuts imposed on farmers since April 1 to be restored by August 1.

 

The unions have also called on farmers to show their strength of feeling by turning out in force at a crisis summit in London on Wednesday leaving retailers, MPs, processors and the public in no doubt about the scale of the problem.

 

The summit will tackle the need for retailers working with processors to take responsibility for a sustainable supply chain which returns at least a cost of production for dairy farmers.

 

A joint statement said: “The catastrophic cuts will drive farmers out of the dairy industry and we are united in our demand for an immediate reversal of recent and planned cuts. There has been an unprecedented outcry of anger and frustration among farmers. We want to harness that strength of feeling and bring together farmers from across England, Scotland and Wales to express their feelings in London next week.

 

“Farmers have told us they will do whatever it takes to stand up against these cuts – Wednesday’s summit gives us that chance.

 

“There is a window of opportunity between now and August 1 to progress a robust voluntary code of practice, however, we will also be exploring a regulatory solution from government.”

 

Dairy farming is a major industry in Montgomeryshire but the strain of price cuts has led to many diversifying into new ways of staying in business.