FARMERS FOR ACTION - PRESS STATEMENT

Originally from: Farmtalking
                        
FARMERS FOR ACTION –

PRESS STATEMENT RE NATIONAL FARMERS STRIKE 23 AUGUST 2002

27.8.02

We have now had the weekend to assess the feedback from our regional co-ordinators regarding Friday’s day of action.

Firstly we thank the media for all the help they gave us in highlighting the plight of British agriculture. The aim of the day was to put British agriculture and food production right at the top of the agenda and this was an unqualified success, not only in the UK but also in various parts of Europe.

Secondly, the producers. Many dairy farmers sacrificed two day’s milk production, which resulted in many, many thousands of litres of milk not going to the processors and therefore not getting to the retailers. Livestock farmers refrained from taking their stock to market, arable farmers held on to their grain and several livestock markets did not open for business. We thank all these people for their support.

The actual numbers that took part are very difficult to assess. Ireland have told us approximately 20% took part, Scotland estimate 15%, England we estimate between 10% and 15%, Wales was poorly supported. We now have to sit back and give Mr Blair time to digest the message that was delivered to No 10 on Friday.

We were obviously disappointed by the statement made from the NFU but then again as we have stated on numerous occasions, if they had been doing their job our protest would not have been necessary.

We now have every intention of targeting both processors and supermarkets throughout these coming months. They seem oblivious to the fact that they are destroying our industry. They say they want to talk, according to Kevin Hawkins of Safeway, but we have been talking for years and while we talk Rome continues to burn. Mr Hawkins would do far better to use actions rather than words and also influence his competitors by telling them it would be better if they did the same.

We will keep you informed of the actions as they take place.

David Handley – Chairman

Farmers For Action-Old Llanishen Farm-Llangovan -Monmouth-Monmouthshire- NP25 4BU

Tel- 01291 690224 Fax- 01291 690984 e mail – ...