Farmers in the UK have protested outside Adam’s Food – an Irish Dairy Board-owned company – over what they say are ‘cheap’ imports of cheese being brought in from Ireland.
The protest took place yesterday, Tuesday, at the Adam’s Food plant in Leek, Staffordshire.
Farmers for Action said the protest took place from 8.30pm and continued until midnight and over 350 farmers attended the protest. According to the protesters, the IDB is bringing in cheaper cheese from Ireland and undercutting UK operators.
David Handley, Chairman of the Farmers for Action group said competition is good for everyone, but when it becomes an undercutting situation is not good. “When our milk prices are collapasing at such a rapid rate we believe there is a moral issue at stake.
“We met with Adams Food 18 months ago about this and their labelling of Pilgrims’ Choice. It says the product could be from the UK, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia. The consumer should have genuine country of origin labelling.
“We have a big problem when we have to comply with the British Red Tractor guidelines but then we are undercut by cheese like this. We have to jump through hoops to produce our milk and it costs us and then we are undermined by someone taking advantage of the labelling laws.”
The group has been protesting at retailers in recent weeks and says these protests will continue.