This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-23977159
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
Somerset farmers blockade supermarket depot over milk prices | Somerset farmers blockade supermarket depot over milk prices |
(35 minutes later) | |
About 100 farmers and 20 tractors blockaded the Morrisons supermarket depot by the M5 in Somerset as part of a protest over the price of milk. | About 100 farmers and 20 tractors blockaded the Morrisons supermarket depot by the M5 in Somerset as part of a protest over the price of milk. |
Farmers for Action said although they received a higher price per litre last year they were now making a loss due to rises in the costs of production. | Farmers for Action said although they received a higher price per litre last year they were now making a loss due to rises in the costs of production. |
Dairy UK, which represents milk processors, said it was "dismayed" and blockading caused a "needless cost". | Dairy UK, which represents milk processors, said it was "dismayed" and blockading caused a "needless cost". |
Protestors arrived at 20:15 BST and remained there until midnight. | |
'Deep regret' | 'Deep regret' |
Chairman of Farmers for Action David Handley said he had handed a letter in to Morrisons. | Chairman of Farmers for Action David Handley said he had handed a letter in to Morrisons. |
He said: "The letter states that it is with deep regret we find ourselves here tonight. | He said: "The letter states that it is with deep regret we find ourselves here tonight. |
"But we've been told by the processors that the company is refusing to pay better prices and we want to give the company the chance to respond." | "But we've been told by the processors that the company is refusing to pay better prices and we want to give the company the chance to respond." |
He said another protest was planned for next week if Morrisons did not respond. | He said another protest was planned for next week if Morrisons did not respond. |
A Dairy UK spokesman said blockading caused disruption and was "not a sustainable way to take the industry forward". | A Dairy UK spokesman said blockading caused disruption and was "not a sustainable way to take the industry forward". |
"That can only be achieved by progress in efficiency, consolidation, innovation and collaboration." | "That can only be achieved by progress in efficiency, consolidation, innovation and collaboration." |
Farmers were now working "much closer than ever with their processors", he said. | Farmers were now working "much closer than ever with their processors", he said. |
"This has resulted in milk price movements and significant innovation in contracts." | "This has resulted in milk price movements and significant innovation in contracts." |
James Badman, who farms at Panborough near Wells, said: "[Price] increases were put in place which were only barely in line with the costs of production. | James Badman, who farms at Panborough near Wells, said: "[Price] increases were put in place which were only barely in line with the costs of production. |
"Now we're seeing further costs when the market can't be prepared to pass back more." | "Now we're seeing further costs when the market can't be prepared to pass back more." |
Dairy farmer James Hole, from Heaphouse near Wedmore, said: "We're not asking for a handout, we're not asking for extra payments. | Dairy farmer James Hole, from Heaphouse near Wedmore, said: "We're not asking for a handout, we're not asking for extra payments. |
"We're asking for a fair price for a fair product." | "We're asking for a fair price for a fair product." |