Latest update:
August 22:
Farmers are protesting in front of processing plant Dunmanbridge in Northern Ireland. The producers also blockaded the plant.
August 17:
Almost 100 farmers turned out in support of continuing protests by Farmers For Action at Asda-Walmart. Politicians including SDLP MLA Agriculture representative Mr Joe Byrne and Councillor Bert Wilson were present while FFA members gave out leaflets to shoppers leaving Asda-Walmart asking them to shop at their local family owned supermarket, butchers, bakers and farmers market, until Asda agree to pay all dairy produce they buy directly or indirectly across these islands at a minimum of 30p/l plus a margin as a first step, then lead up to 40p/l, being the European Milk Boards cost of production figure inflation linked plus a margin.
Many beef, sheep and pig farmers were present, comforted by the knowledge that while the main thrust of protests are on milk due to keeping up the momentum gathered in GB. William Taylor, FFA NI co-ordinator made it clear that much urgent work was and is being done behind the scenes from here to Brussels on virtually all other commodities, with progress expected imminently. He went on to say it is becoming increasingly clear that in many sectors the banks have said no to increasing overdrafts which in turn has put real pressure on many family farmers in Northern Ireland. In a week where sadly another NI farmer has lost his life in the UK’s most dangerous industry largely due to being a cash strapped industry, it is clear where much of the blame lies, large supermarkets, large food retailers and large food wholesalers - profits up, while farm gate prices go down and farm accidents go up. The time has come to fix broken Agriculture and collectively politicians from here to Brussels must play their part with urgent commonsense solutions already in their possessions, but not acted on, put into operation.
The protests will continue, next Thursday night (23rd) in Enniskillen Asda-Walmart. Those farmers wishing to offer much needed support - just come along, bring your neighbours or contact 07909744624 or 07754475564 for details.
Meanwhile, FFA are waiting until Monday for a response from United Dairy Farmers, where FFA have requested a meeting with the UDF board before next Thursday’s August milk auction.
