DIF backs union stand on FFA
9 June 2000
DIF backs union stand on FFA
By FWi reporters
A LEAKED report has revealed that the Dairy Industry Federation pledged to support National Farmers Union in dealings with the militant Farmers For Action group.
The minutes state that the NFU was “disconcerted by the apparent willingness of supermarkets to meet FFA representatives”.
It adds: “The DIF assures the NFU that it has its full support in dealing with the unofficial protests and factory/supermarket distribution depot blockades.”
“WJH (WJ Houliston, DIF president and chief executive of Dairy Crest) said that the DIF was fully supportive of the NFU in giving the unofficial protesters no encouragement.”
The minutes were sent to FWi by concerned supporters of the direct action group.
The report continues: “There was a quick discussion about the activities of Derek Mead (West Country farmer and FFA member) and the farmers blockades.
RMcD (Richard Macdonald, NFU director general) stressed the difficulty this presented for the NFU.
The topic was revisited later in the meeting after the late arrival of NFU president Ben Gill.
According to the minutes there was a brief discussion on the farmers activity and Mr Gill said that he deplored Farmers Weekly editorial coverage of FFA activities for encouraging the unofficial protests.
A spokesman for FFA said in his opinion the document confirmed his concerns that the NFU was working with the industry against the group.
NFU director general Richard McDonald said: “We assume this was one of many meetings we have with the DIF and with the retailers to discuss the crisis facing our dairy members.
“As always, our focus was on getting a better income for farmers — we are sure the minutes would substantiate that.
“We have arranged many meetings for members with the food industry and we actively encourage suppliers to meet processors and retailers.”
Meanwhile, FFA has held meetings with Express Dairies on the crisis in the dairy industry.
FFA spokesman Dave Handley said Express Dairies wishes to be at the forum being organised this month by FFA with Farmers Union of Wales and the Scottish NFU.