Farmers stage protest at Asda
FARMERS from the mid-Antrim area descended upon a local supermarket this week to protest against how much large supermarkets pay for milk.
Local farmers attended the event at the ASDA store at Junction One organised by Farmers For Action.
The group are calling on Northern Ireland farmers to refrain from or withdraw any photographs currently on display in large supermarkets or large food retailers, until those same stores can prove that they are paying a minimum of the cost of production plus a margin inflation linked for at least all the staples.
William Taylor FFA UK NI co-ordinator stated that there was no point in farmers appearing happy and smiling in large corporate retail stores, when the reality on the ground is very different, claiming that this sends out completely the wrong message to consumers.
Over 50 farmers, including family members, turned out at ASDA on Thursday night to further their cause on what they claim is the abuse by large retailers against family farmers on milk and most other farm gate prices.
Sean McAuley, FFA UK NI steering Committee Member said: “Finally across the UK family farmers and many farm organisations were taking a stand in strength and making their point that family farmers now demand their fair share of the financial cake to keep their businesses viable and to be able to take care of their families.”
He added: “We do not want the consumer – our customer to pay more other than normal inflationary increases, but we do want to see a lowering of corporate retailer, corporate wholesaler and in some cases processor profits to enable farmers to receive a sustainable minimum of the cost of production plus a margin inflation linked for their produce.”
Mr McAuley went on to say a special thank you to everyone who turned out including members of Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers Association, Ulster Farmers Union members and UUP members Aldermen Mervyn Rea and Drew Ritchie Antrim Borough Council who all turned out in support of protest efforts.
The group now plan to hold another protest outside the ASDA store in Coleraine on Thursday, September 6 at 7.30pm.
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Weather for Antrim
Friday 24 May 2013
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