Farmers in protest at Tesco over milk prices

Hear informed debate on this story in the Country Week programme from the Yorkshire Post

Last night NFU president Peter Kendall said he understood the anger but warned that the demonstrators risked alienating consumers at a time of austerity.

Tesco depots at Doncaster, Hinckley and Southampton were picketed on Thursday night.

The supermarket chain said operations were unaffected but the activists have promised more to come, with larger protests that will also target other supermarkets, unless they are offered talks.

David Handley, leader of Farmers For Action, who organised similar demonstrations in 2000, said: "The NFU is getting nowhere. That's why it is running to the Women's Institute for help in sorting out our problems and that is why we are back in action."

Tesco recently announced a payment rise for its liquid milk suppliers, to an above-average 28.2p a litre.

But Mr Handley said: "That is a headline price, if you tick every single box. Some Tesco suppliers are getting 24p.

"Anyway the issue is more general – why do the supermarkets get 80 per cent of the price of milk? Tesco is the biggest and we need Tesco to pick up the phone."

But Mr Kendall said: "The supermarkets are having a price war and the processors are undercutting each other to supply them and it has got to stop.

"James Paice (Defra minister) has told me today that he is going to bang heads together.

"I entirely understand the frustration driving these demonstrations but now is not a good time to be alienating the public."