Disaffected farmers have called a protest march in London for next month.

Protest group Farmers for Action is planning the march, which is set to go ahead on 23rd March in central London. On Monday (1st February) FFA said that the relevant documentation had been submitted to the authorities. The group is aiming to raise awareness of the plight of farmers who have seen their returns plummet over past months.

News of the Farming to London march comes after major processors Arla and Dairy Crest announced fresh cuts to the their March prices. FFA has said the protest is intended to “open to the eyes and ears of the general public, our customers, and the media,” and pointed out that it is open to farmers in all sectors, many of whom have seen prices contract, and not just dairy producers.

Marchers hope to end their route outside Downing Street where they will deliver a letter from the farming community to the Prime Minster.

On Monday, South West farming co-operative Mole Valley Farmers pledged to lay on coaches to help with transport from the region.

On Wednesday, the NFU said that, with dairy farmers across the country under severe financial pressure from low prices, the NFU is urging all milk processors to be open and honest with suppliers about their plans to get through the next year.

NFU dairy board chairman Rob Harrison said, “It’s a simple message to all processors – dairy farmers need plenty of notice of any changes that are being considered so they can put in place a strategy for their business. We want to see processors managing the spring peak sensibly and importantly in consultation with their suppliers.  

“Short sighted, quick decisions that threaten to drive hundreds of farmers out of business won’t help the supply chain in the medium term. Farmers need clear market signals to come from their processors so they can plan their production.
 
“In the Netherlands for example, the Dutch milk co-operative ‘Friesland Campina’ has put in place incentives for their farmers to reduce production – a 2c/l bonus for producing less than in 2015.”