Farmers For Action, a campaign group disillusioned with the way farming organisations are representing the industry, held a meeting last week with Meadow Foods.
Meadow Foods has been in the spotlight as the company shows strong profits but pays very low milk prices. Farmers For Action representatives at the meeting were Tom Houghton, FFA Co-ordinator NW and two Meadow Foods producers.
"As we have always said any discussion should involve those that actually sell to Meadow Foods", says Farmers For Action. "The feedback from the meeting was very positive, both Simon Chantler and Jim Bebb listened intently at what they were being told. They also shared a lot of information in respect of the current milk price crisis and their plans going forward.
"We have to give credit to this company for being prepared to come out and defend their stance on milk pricing, which is a lot more than some of the other major milk processors are even prepared to do, other than the usual press statement which means nothing to hard pressed dairy farmers."
FFA will be meeting with Meadow Foods again over the coming weeks and months, a number of initiatives are currently being looked into by both parties.
"We have to emphasise there is no quick fix in this whole disastrous situation facing dairy farmers but we will ensure all our members we will give 100% commitment to try and reverse this dire situation as fast as we possibly can and leave no stone unturned."
Meadow Foods have offered to sponsor a coach for the London March for its producers.
