UPDATE: Bridgwater farmers in second dairy blockade (From Somerset County Gazette)

UPDATE: Bridgwater farmers in second dairy blockade

2:05pm Monday 23rd July 2012 in News By Newsdesk

HUNDREDS of angry farmers blockaded a Bridgwater dairy twice this week in protest at milk price cuts they claim are crippling their livelihood.

Protest group Farmers For Action organised blockades at several UK dairies, and more than 800 farmers with heavy machinery halted lorry movements at Bridgwater’s Robert Wiseman Dairy last night (Sunday).

It came after another blockade on Thursday night, attended by more than 500 farmers with 120 tractors.

The action followed Robert Wiseman’s announcement that it was cutting its milk price by 1.7p per litre from August 1.

Amanda Triggol of Three Oaks Farm in Chedzoy, who was at last night’s protest with her family, said: “I think the public are beginning to understand how this is really affecting farmers and are supporting us.

“As we travelled in convoy, people were giving us the thumbs-up, clapping and honking in support.”

A spokesman for Robert Wiseman Dairies said the firm fully understood the strength of feeling among dairy producers and was continuing to engage with those with an interest in the dairy supply chain.

He added: “It is important to stress we are not in a position to fund a milk price at the level it was prior to the global collapse in the value of cream.

“It is our hope the market for liquid milk and bulk cream, which is at the core of this issue, will quickly find a balance which will allow us to return improved prices to farmers.”