Protests over cuts to milk prices

Dairy farmers from across Staffordshire were today holding demonstrations outside supermarkets, giving away milk in a last-ditch protest over price cuts they say will drive them out of business.

More than 200 farmers were outside stores including Morrisons, Asda and Co-Op, whose suppliers are cutting the price they pay by 2p a litre from August 1.

The farmers claim it is cheaper to give away their milk than lose money through their suppliers.

The action kicked off in Stone yesterday and was continuing throughout today.

At some stores, farmers bought up all the milk on the shelves before handing out supplies from Wells Farm Dairy in Stafford free of charge.

They were also giving the milk to Katharine House Hospice and the Salvation Army in Stafford.

Matthew Weaver, aged 35, whose family have farmed in Stone since 1750, hosted a 200-strong emergency meeting at his farm on Tuesday to discuss taking direct action.

He said many dairy farmers were desperate and may be forced out of business, pushing up the price of milk for consumers in the long term. He added: "It's shortsighted, and we're not prepared to let our industry be devastated so some fat cat can be paid a £1 million bonus.

"The public have been fantastic – they're asking what they can do to support us."

A thousand litres of milk were given away yesterday. Farmers also plan to continue their demonstration at towns across Staffordshire and Shropshire tomorrow.

They are demanding an immediate reversal of the latest cuts and also want a change in legislation to regulate any future price changes.

They are currently paid 27p a litre for milk which they say costs them 30p a litre to produce. Under the latest cut, they will get 25p.