25/3/2011 LIQUID MILK, MIDDLE GROUND

Why on a week when middle ground processor Freshway increased their farmgate price do we receive information that shows Dairycrest in that same middle ground, giving milk away at ridiculously   low prices.  We suggest DCD, the company's farmer representation need to pull their finger out and get this stopped.  If they don't the middle ground will come tumbling down.  But this time dairy producers will know where to point the finger. 

CHEESE

We hear this week that Sainsbury has delisted  a prominent cheese maker.  Why, you may ask would they do such a thing.  Well we are told the cheese maker would no longer give away the freebies but surprise, surprise we are told another prominent cheese maker was prepared to do so, non other than a farmer owned milk co-op who we also learn has done the same at Asda.  We pose this question, someone must have the answers, we wait with baited breath.

23/3/2011 CONGRATULATIONS

Firstly to our good friend, Ian Potter on his recent award for services to the dairy industry,via The Princess Royal Award.   It  has been a long time coming.

Secondly, congratulations to an up and coming processor known as Freshways who today have announced a significant price increase on top of their basket price paid to farmers. This comes about following recent meetings with Farmers For Action.  They are to be praised for their initiative that recognises,  as they have worded in their press statement, that farmers can no longer sustain low milk prices.  The challenge is now there for the rest of the industry to take a 1p out of their margin and pass back to their producers.  Any of the farmer representatives who feel they cannot negotiate this deal only need to make a call to FFA and we will show them how it is done.

MILK DRIER

Obviously our proposed discussions in  respect of building  a state of the art milk drying facility in the north of England has caused quite a stir.   It has been very interesting to note what some of the commentators have to say, or should we say intriguing,  as some of them as well known as Promar International and NFU's Hayley Campbell Gibbons both who have very close relationships with Tesco, have condemned the idea and yet have not spoken to anyone within FFA about the proposal.  As we said in an earlier news bulletin  on this issue, we knew there would be sceptics but you would have thought these articulate individuals would have at least made enquiries before putting pen to paper.  As for the progress of the idea, currently we have over 100m litres of milk already pledged by various dairy producers in the north of England.  This is obviously good news.  One of the things that this plant is designed to do is to stop the reduction of milk production in the UK. Its aim is to increase production and make us world leaders in the export market, something that today our own Chancellor is encouraging.  It is also aimed at giving young people who want to come into this industry an opportunity to become world leaders in their profession.  Anyone who condemns the idea, condemns their future, so think on before you open your mouth and watch this page for further progess reports.

8/3/2011 MILK DRYING PLANT

Farmers For Action today can reveal that over the past few months they have been in talks with a number of parties with regard to building a state of the art milk drying plant in the north of England.

Chairman, David Handley said  following a successful meeting with Caroline Spelman, MP on Friday 4 March where Mrs Spelman said she would be prepared to support such a farmer initiative. The overall idea behind this comes from frustration that UK dairy farmers are continually being paid below what the market is delivering.  Therefore, we feel it is now time for farmers to set the pace and if, as is clearly being shown now the market is not delivering, this ultra modern plant would facilitiate taking up to 25% of the UK's milk production and producing superior products that would give a better return to its farmer members.

Handley says there will be those in this industry who will not support this initiative but FFA is very bullish in respect it is time for farmers become price makers and not price takers.  This business model would allow them to do that.  He goes on to say that this is a new era we are entering, it is time UK dairy farmers stopped the blame culture and took control of their own destiny.  Yes there will be ups and there will be downs with this venture, but as the drying plant in the SW of England at Westbury shows with the right people in charge, it can be a positive move for British dairy farmers.  We will keep people posted of how things are progressing but anyone with an interest can certainly contact FFA on our usual numbers, e mail etc.,

20.1.2011

Asda v FFA

Below is Press Release issued by Asda Walmart

• Following a productive meeting between senior representatives from Farmers for Action and Asda, we're pleased to say we've now resolved our differences.​
• Asda has made it clear that it respects the rights of farmers to lawfully protest outside its premises, and FFA made it clear it is committed to ensuring its members always abide by the law so that Asda can go about its business without disruption.

Further to this development, at the further Court hearing tomorrow, 21/1/2011, Asda will ask the Court to withdraw the proceedings.

20/1/2011 FFA & NFU meeting

FFA's David Handley met with NFU President Peter Kendal and Mansel Raymond on last Tuesday 18/1/2011 go to  http://www.nfuonline.com/News/Shared-anger-on-dairy/

20/12/2010 - Asda v FFA

We have got the Injunction hearing adjoured until 7 January 2011 as we were unable to attend to contest it due to adverse weather.

18/12/2010   - Panorama  Wed 22.12.2010  BBC 1, 9 PM (Supermarkets:What Price Cheap Food?)

'Pile 'em high, sell 'em cheap - the 'big four' supermarkets are constantly striving to produce more for less.  But keeping prices low affects how food is produced, and not in a good way.  This Panorama special reveals how costs are continually being cut - and what the future holds' - Daily Mail 18/12/2010.

16/12/2010 ******STOP PRESS******

Due to failing  weather conditions  protest in the Midlands called off for tonight.

16/12/2010 LAW ABIDING, PEACEFUL PROTESTS15/12/2010 MILK PROTESTS UPDATE (1)

FARMERS FOR ACTION - CODE OF CONDUCT

All those involved with the current peaceful protests will be required to adhere to the following in future:-

1.  At all times to be law abiding which involves working very closely with the Police within your area and obey their requests. 

2.  Any protest should not be carried out on anyone's private property

3.  No threats or intimidation to be aimed at any lorry driver or member of staff or general public who may cross your path.  Remember you are representing the whole farming industry and our image is key to our success. 

4  Anyone who steps outside of the law does so at their own risk and Farmers For Action take no responsibility for any ensuing action by a third party.

5.  No FFA representative at any time must encourage civil disobedience or any action that affects the lawful trading of any third party.

Some will find the above quite difficult but to win this fight and get fair returns for producers right across the UK, it is imperative  we abide by our above code of conduct.

15/12/2010 MILK PROTESTS UPDATE (1)

Excellent turnout tonight through the country with numbers in the hundreds at each site, despite an Injunction being served on all FFA co-ordinators in the respective areas.  Many car loads of producers travelled upwards of 80 miles for the cause,  and those locals who did not make the effort should hold their head in shame.  We thank everyone who made the effort to come out to night, especially those who travelled such long distances.

15/12/2010 MILK PROTESTS UPDATE

We appear to have rattled a few cages today, phone buzzing, media all over this story , why not have a look at Milk Protest 2010 page and see what it is all about  - also  go to Ian Potter's website http://www.ipaquotas.com/QUOTANEWS.htm for his unique insight into today's events.

14/12/2010 MILK PROTESTS

WEDNESDAY 15/12/2010

WALES ring David Handley 07711194947 e mail davidhandley@farmersforaction.org

(West Wales ring Nigel Batten who is arranging transport Mob 07785 924007)

SCOTLAND ring John Cummings 07743 664306

LANCASHIRE ring David Halhead Mob 07831 413015 halhead@newlandfarm.entadsl.com
CHESHIRE Tom Houghton 07540704887 

THURSDAY 16/12/2010

MIDLANDS ring Andrew Hemming Mobile 07966519444 E mail judith@obelisk2000.fsnet.co.uk

YORKSHIRE ring Stephen Franklin Tel 01765 676262 mob 07933 389237 E mail renfrankland@tcsmail.net 


26/11/2010 Last night's action

Plenty of action last night, Yorkshire, Midlands and Hampshire.  Also plenty of police, where do they all come from?

Last of the low key protests, next round will involve everyone who wants a better price for their product and not make do, UK farmers deserve better, the public appreciate that and it is about time the retailers coughed up.

17/11/10 Farmgate prices

The biggest farmers demonstration ever seen in the UK is being planned for early December by a number of farm organisations.  This demo has come about by the reluctance of giant retailers who domineer the market and prevent an equal share of money within the supply chain reaching primary producers.  So a loud message goes out to all producers. Keep watching the web site both here and at Ian Potter's website  www.ipaquotas.co.uk for future information.

3/9/09 European milk strike still going strong   www.europeanmilkboard.org

The milk strike in many countries is continuing and starting in Galicia - today and Friday. In Austria two dairy companies have raised the milk price.

Thursday: European action day of dairy farmers. Tomorrow in many countries there will be big actions and national press conferences.

France: Blockades in front of the dairy plants are going on. The farmers are sending letters to dairy plants and asking them, to support the EMB-proposals. Many dairy plants already are supporting this letter and signed it. European action day on Thursday: There are actions planned concerning dairy plants.

 Austria: Interest of the media is still high. The biggest and third biggest dairy companies are raising the milk price from the 1. October on (3 Cent up to 30 Cent/kg). Today is a hearing in the parliament - the green party inquired that - there will be discussed the EMB- proposals. European action day on Thursday: Many actions in the regions and a big action with tractors in front of the ministry of agriculture in Salzburg. Press conference in Linz.

 Germany: Yesterday many actions in Germany - 20 to 30. The mobilisation among the farmers is still strong. The protest activities will continue after the election on 27. September. European action day on Thursday: Big action in Munic. BDM together with environmental and development organisations. After that will be a press conference with the alliance. Further more actions in different regions in Germany.

Luxemburg: Informing consumers in strike cafes. The mobilisation among the farmers is rising. European action day on Thursday: Big tractor convoy together with other representatives of the dairy sector and development organisations. Meeting with a representive of Barroso. Press conference with the alliance.

Netherlands: Media is writing about the dairy farmer movement a lot and positive. Yesterday there has been a demonstration in front of the federal cartell office. Afterwards there has been a meeting between the minister of agriculture and the dairy farmers. She is still focusing on liberalise the market.

Spain: Today and on Friday in Galicia the delivery on milk is slowed down.

Belgium: Yesterday there has been a meeting with the minister of agriculture. In this week he will arrange a meeting with the other agricultural ministers in those countries, where the protests of the dairy farmers are strong. European action day on Thursday: Actions are in design.

Italy: Very successfull actions of the Brenner with support of farmers from Germany and Austria. European action day on Thursday: Big action in Rome.

6/9/09 FFA AND UNITED DAIRY FARMERS

FFA fully support  members who wish to are in favour of  the resolutions at the forthcoming United Dairy Farmers' special general meeting on 9 September 2009.

Why we think members should vote for the resolutions:-

1.  Remember, voting in favour will allow your envied milk auction to sell ALL your milk monthly at the same time, unhindering Dale Farm from buying ALL the milk it requires for its own processing .

2.  United Dairy Farmer members should be receiving milk prices equivalent to their counterparts across the water in England, Scotland and Wales.  If processors across the water were forced to purchase at the auction, this would benefit UDF members.

3.  Farmers for Action says red tractor milk from Northern Ireland coming across to GB is not a problem as long as NI producers are receiving the same milk price as its GB producers.

4.  FFA feel that Dale Farm should concentrate its efforts on processing milk from its members, not to give GB processors the opportunity to buy milk from Dale Farm so they can hide their identity.

5.  The auction system should give total transparency - this is the only way producers will see greater profitability.

We therefore urge urge our members to support the resolutions.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL 02870353579

6/9/09 EUROPEAN DAIRY EVENT - Stoneleigh, Warwicks 16/17 September

FFA will be attending the above event this year.  Our stand is No 781 opposite the N.S.A. sheep building.

We look forward to seeing you

21/8/08 Protest at Tesco Head Office on Tuesday 26 August 2008 - FFA are holding a protest outside Tesco Head Office at Cheshunt, Herts EN8 9SL on Tuesday  26 August 2008 over the company's launch of their new range of Fresh'n'Lo milk at £1.06 for 2 litres.  The protest will commence at 12 noon and protestors are asked to please park within the law.

1/8/08 Beef Crisis meeting - letter to abattoirs - click here  Just amend with your address, your abattoir address, date and your name at bottom.

4/8/07 -  FMD outbreak - Here we again.  Where did it come from? Government spin very quick off the mark, possibly one of their  research sites?   Until they BAN meat and meat product imports from countries where FMD is endemic such as Brazil, Argentina, some parts of S Africa we are wide open to further infection.  

Why won't they listen to the industry? We  have weak leadership and weak representation.  For pity's sake follow Australia's stance - stop anything that poses a threat to our country coming in, the British  people deserve that security, the majority! voted Labour in albeit not with Gordon  Brown at the helme, so it is now his chance to prove, unlike his predecessor, that he is dedicated to the country he has been chosen to lead. 

Food shortages are already upon us, as an island we are  vulnerable, support your farmers, Mr Brown, you need them, we produce the bread of life!

3/8/07 - Milk shortages- Record price for milk at United Auction -  First Milk bring in force majeure on contracts.  

FFA now recommend dairy farmers take total control of the market.  Demand is now outstripping supply, the current milk price being paid in our view is currently 3ppl below where it should be. 

FFA chairman, David Handley, is looking at setting up a milk brokering business.  He has been approached by a large number of european buyers desperately  seeking milk.  Come on dairy farmers and farming press, tell processing and retailer sectors - pay up or we will ship supplies to those who will.

25/7/07 - The National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI)  launch a report calling for better prices for dairy farmers, at the NFU stand at the Royal Welsh Show on Wednesday 25 July 2007.  FFA have been involved in this campaign from the outset.   For details click here.

25/6/07 - NON COMPLIANCE WITH DEFRA IN RESPECT OF TB CATTLE TESTING ON FARMS IN THE UK - David Handley

Following FFA’s letter to David Miliband on this issue,I explain our reasons for this below. We still await a response from his successor, Hillary Benn.

In no way do I want to see dialogue with DEFRA suspended on the issue of bovine TB, but following the Bourne report, I feel a line should be drawn. We have been talking about this issue for long enough, even the report is failing us on the science of this terrible disease and we now have a government department who wishes to wash its hands of the whole thing. That in my opinion is not an acceptable option.

Why should farmers therefore refuse to comply with DEFRA on cattle testing?

1. It is my belief farmers have been maligned over their views on badger culling. Farmers do not want to cull healthy badgers, just the infected ones. Therefore on farms where there have been TB reactors, all badger setts should be tested, if they are negative, then they would be left undisturbed but if there are clear positive TB reactors, they should be culled on humane grounds.
2. DEFRA would then be sending a strong message to the farming community and also the general public that they are prepared to deal with this endemic infection. It would also in my view bring this problem within our industry to a more rapid conclusion. There is no point in DEFRA culling a greater number of cattle if they are not dealing with infected wildlife. Surely there should be a partnership approach to tackle this issue involving parties such as the wildlife groups who I am sure do not want to see another badger or bovine contract this debilitating disease.
3. Finally, DEFRA must understand the stress that their handling of this disease is putting on farming families – not only in terms of its financial cost but also the mental torment you feel as someone who cares for the animals under your supervision. The time has come for Mr Miliband to grasp the nettle and share his responsibilities in the livestock industry. If he refuses to do so, that is then my reasoning for farmers not to comply with Defra’s draconian TB testing regime. - David Handley