Organisers of a planned strike by farmers claimed this week that up to 30% less raw milk than usual will be available for collection by processors.
Farmers For Action chairman David Handley said thousands of producers had pledged support to the initiative, designed to highlight the financial crisis in agriculture and due to take place from November 2 for three days.
However, levels of scepticism in the supply chain were high, with some retailers and processors expressing doubts the strike would go ahead.
There was disappointing news for strike chiefs when Westbury Dairies refused to turn milk withheld from the marketplace into powder for export to developing nations.
Westbury chairman Sir Ben Gill said the factory was closed for two weeks of scheduled maintenance. But he admitted, even if it were open, the answer would be the same, asking: “Who would cover the cost?”
Handley said dairy producers had been told to dispose of withheld milk by spreading it on their land, insisting this was permitted under animal by-product regulations providing it was done responsibly.
However, experts warned such a method was fraught with difficulties and could lead to environmental disaster.
Handley told retailers that FFA supporters would be picketing supermarket depots and said any attempts to bring milk in from abroad would be hampered by activists. He also claimed dairy farmers would be joined by producers of beef, lamb and fresh produce. He added: “We advise consumers to purchase their perishable goods ahead of next week’s action and to be aware further strikes will undoubtedly follow in the run up to Christmas.”
Richard Clarke
Farmers For Action chairman David Handley said thousands of producers had pledged support to the initiative, designed to highlight the financial crisis in agriculture and due to take place from November 2 for three days.
However, levels of scepticism in the supply chain were high, with some retailers and processors expressing doubts the strike would go ahead.
There was disappointing news for strike chiefs when Westbury Dairies refused to turn milk withheld from the marketplace into powder for export to developing nations.
Westbury chairman Sir Ben Gill said the factory was closed for two weeks of scheduled maintenance. But he admitted, even if it were open, the answer would be the same, asking: “Who would cover the cost?”
Handley said dairy producers had been told to dispose of withheld milk by spreading it on their land, insisting this was permitted under animal by-product regulations providing it was done responsibly.
However, experts warned such a method was fraught with difficulties and could lead to environmental disaster.
Handley told retailers that FFA supporters would be picketing supermarket depots and said any attempts to bring milk in from abroad would be hampered by activists. He also claimed dairy farmers would be joined by producers of beef, lamb and fresh produce. He added: “We advise consumers to purchase their perishable goods ahead of next week’s action and to be aware further strikes will undoubtedly follow in the run up to Christmas.”
Richard Clarke
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