Mass Blockades At Leeds Milk Firm

20 July 2012, 10:41 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Hundreds of Yorkshire farmers blockaded a milk processing plant in Leeds into the early hours of the morning, in a protest against the price they are paid for milk.

Dairy farmers are furious about cuts of up to 2p a litre in the amount they receive from major milk processors. 

Many fear the shortfall will force them out of business. 

The action is the latest in a series of protests by farmers who are angry that they are to be paid less for their milk than the cost to produce it. 

David Handley, chairman of FFA, warned blockades could form again tonight. 

Speaking from the blockade near Bridgwater, Mr Handley told the BBC that if the financial situation for farmers continues then they could be forced to make the "ultimate sacrifice'' and cut off the milk supply at source, keeping it on the farms. 

Mr Handley said: "These people have got greedy, and they have squeezed us and squeezed us to the point we have got to. "We have got to fight for the industry because if we don't the industry is going to go.'' 

Dairy farmers fear the cuts to payments will force them out of business, pushing up the price of milk to consumers in the long-term.