Farmers blockaded a number of local supermarkets, as well as several in GB, in recent days to highlight their grievances.
The milk producers say many in the dairy sector will be forced out of business by a combination of low shop prices, a Russian ban on imports and the ‘intervention’ price set by the European Commission.
Speaking following the meeting in Belfast, Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) president Ian Marshall said the “focus must be turned on the responsibility of retailers and others in the supply chain”.
He said: “Looking at AHDB (Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board) dairy figures on butter and cheese prices it is evident that there have been huge falls in the wholesale price in the last 12 months.
“Wholesale butter prices have fallen by 28 per cent while wholesale mild cheddar has fallen by 25 per cent.
“At the same time, the retail price of butter has increased marginally by 0.1 per cent while the retail value of cheese has fallen, but only by 3.4 per cent.
“The simple question now is who is making money from cheese and butter – as it’s clearly not our farmers, some of which have seen a 50 per cent fall in farmgate prices over the same period.”
Mr Marshall added: “We’ve seen consumers say that they are willing to pay more for milk as long as farmers get their fair share too. There is a need to respect the mutual reliance that exists within the supply chain.
“Retailers must act in an ethical and responsible way to support farmers, processors and consumers and ensure that there is enough value being passed down the supply chain on all dairy products.”
Calling for an end to the ongoing protest action, retailers’ body NIIRTA (Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association) said improved communication between the various parties was needed.
Chief executive Glyn Roberts said: “The issue of milk prices is a European and global challenge, which requires a joint approach from Stormont, Whitehall and Brussels.
“Locally, DARD need to do more to improve communication and partnership across the entire agri-food supply chain in Northern Ireland.”
Mr Roberts added: “The Agri-Food Board also needs a revamp and retail representatives added to their governing body to ensure it is more representative of the supply chain.”
Source: News Letter
