Supermarkets targeted in night of farmer-led protests

Farmers around the country staged blockades at several supermarkets in a protest over unfair pricing in the supply chain.

Members of Proud to Farm said they had been forced to take direct action and took to social media to appeal for farmers, producers and members of the public to join them at more than 30 supermarket distribution sites at 7pm last Friday (October 13).

The group had launched a campaign via TikTok which revealed the location of more than 30 distribution centres belonging to Asda, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Tesco which were due to be targeted.

Tractors made their way to various locations with farmers nationwide pledging their support.

In Wales, FUW members joined protests outside Asda's distribution centre in Chepstow. The two-hour action saw around 15 lorries prevented from leaving.

One member told Farmers Guardian: "It was relatively small but it was effective. The aim was to let supermarket managers know that farmers are not happy with the current environment. Prices and contracts are just not sustainable.

"It was very peaceful and the lorry drivers were very supportive of our message."

Hampshire-based pig farmer Flavian Obiero pledged his backing saying he would be joining the protest to ‘support the industry I love'.

Farm worker and Proud to Farm group member Becky Dack from North Yorkshire said the aim of the action was not to cause disruption or to upset to anyone but to let people know how farmers are being treated.

"We just want to be heard," she said. "We have been ignored for years and we need [supermarkets] to know that we can be seen.

"Farmers just want a fair price. We want the public to understand that if they buy local, then they are supporting local farmers. We understand some food has to be imported and that people want to shop at supermarkets but if you can buy British you may as well buy British.

"It is about fairness. Supermarkets are announcing record profits while many people who produce the food are living below the poverty line. It is wrong."

Ms Dack who has more than 35,000 followers on TikTok said it is not about making consumers to pay more but asking retailers to distribute the profits more fairly. 

Fellow supporter and Lancashire-based farmer Eden Muzzall has also publicised the campaign, explaining to followers how farmers are impacted by current supply chains rules and encouraging members of the public to get behind the protest.