As a “gentle reminder” that the debate over milk prices has not yet come to an end, around 300 dairy farmers blockaded the Arla Foods processing plant at Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire on Wednesday evening (15th August).

The farmers gathered to demonstrate at the plant, which was also targeted by protestors at the height of the milk protests in July, at around 19.00 and prevented lorries from entering or leaving the plant for around five hours. Farmers initially blockaded the factory last month in protest against proposed cuts, which were set to come into force on 1st August and would have farm-gate milk price to fall 5 pence per litre below the cost of production.

Although the proposed cuts were rescinded, farmers have kept their protest alive using the momentum built up last month to call for overhauls in the dairy supply chain, which they claim is inequitable and keeps farmers in thrall to processors and retailers.    

Wednesday’s protest was organised by protest group Farmers for Action. The group forms part of the Dairy Coalition seeking dramatic changes in the dairy industry. FFA was instrumental in organising protests in July.

One protestor, Paul Rowbottom, said farmers still want to recoup money lost in the first round of cuts introduced by major processors in April and May. He promised further actions this week and next, adding “We will step it up a bit then."

"This is just a gentle reminder," he said. Campaign groups have warned that major retailers and processors could be targeted in protests over coming weeks.

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