Archive - Wednesday, 16 October 2002


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Direct action call over cheap imports

AN East Yorkshire pig producer is calling on other farmers to support the militant Farmers For Action over the issue of cheap imports.

After three decades in farming, Fred Henley of Seaton Ross fears he will lose his livelihood unless there is an immediate and significant rise in pig meat prices.

"It is decision-making time for me, whether to stop or struggle on. In a way, the decision is being made for me.

"I am currently paying hundreds of pounds a week to go to work, and have been for some time. It can't continue."

The low pig meat prices, caused by supermarkets buying cheap foreign meat, are showing no immediate signs of rising, said Mr Henley.

He now supports direct action for getting the farmers' message across.

Mr Henley, 55, said: "We wouldn't break the law, but we would push the boundaries and have already done so. If the police ask us to move we move, but we will argue, spin things out a bit until someone talks to us."

Mr Henley said an FFA success was seen at a meat distribution depot at Murton, York, when a picket led to a meeting with a senior meat buyer.

Pig farming colleague Grant Burton, of Wilberfoss, said: "Fred is exactly right about the cheap imports. There is also a labelling issue, as imported pig meat can be cured in this country and then packaged and sold as British bacon, which is a disgrace."

Mr Burton said he "shares the frustrations" of FFA members, but said he feels the way forward is getting more of pig meat's value back to farmers.

"We need to concentrate on reaching a level playing field," he said.

Updated: 10:12 Wednesday, October 16, 2002