Video: Farmers block Tesco and Asda depots in prices row

Farmers blocked access to major supermarket distribution centres in Oxfordshire and Leicestershire as part of escalating protests over food imports, supermarket pricing and government agricultural policy. 

Tractors and vehicles were used to disrupt Tesco and Asda distribution sites in Didcot, Oxfordshire, from shortly after 4pm on Thursday 29 January, with similar action later reported at the Asda depot at Magna Park, Lutterworth, Leicestershire.

See also: Video: Farmers shut down Lidl depots in price protests

Farmers Take Action said they were involved in the direct action and the resulting negotiation conversations with Tesco and Asda.

A spokesman at the Asda Lutterworth protest said farmers were being paid “unsustainably low prices” despite producing food to world-leading standards in the UK.

“Milk farmgate prices continue to fall, yet supermarket prices on the shelves remain unchanged – leaving farmers squeezed while retailers protect their margins,” he said.

“British farming is essential to food security, rural communities and the national economy, but too often farmers are not backed with fair and transparent pricing.”

Fairness for farmers

The spokesman said the protest was about fairness rather than preferential treatment.

“Farmers are not asking for special treatment – they are asking to be paid a fair price for the food they produce so British farming can survive and thrive,” he added.

“Without fair returns, the future of British food production is at risk.”

The action was highlighted on social media by Phil Weston, a fifth-generation farmer from Hartwell, Northamptonshire, who accused Tesco and Asda of prioritising imported produce over British food.

© Jack Robinson

Writing on his Phil’s Farming Facebook page, Mr Weston said both Didcot sites were “completely blocked” and criticised the use of imported beef and vegetables that he said could be sourced domestically.

He described the protest as necessary to draw attention to food security concerns and what he called “awful trade deals”, adding that direct action was the only way to ensure farmers’ voices were heard.

Local farmers involved

Among those taking part was David Waters, a beef and arable farmer and contractor based in South Oxfordshire.

He said about 50 farmers from within a 50-mile radius of Didcot were involved and that the blockades brought lorry movements to a halt.

“We have had to let a few cars out that were not involved,” Mr Waters said.

“Every single one of the drivers was grateful. A lot of people employed by Tesco support us as well. We have been very well behaved.”

Mr Waters said protests were driven by low farmgate prices, cheap imports and government policies, including proposed inheritance tax changes affecting farms.

Later in the evening, farmers also blocked access to the Asda site at Magna Park.

Mr Weston said protesters would remain until they received written or video confirmation of discussions with the retailer.

Farmers Take Action posted on Facebook after midnight that farmers protesting in Didcot stood down after “positive talks” with senior representatives from both Asda and Tesco supermarkets.

Tesco and Asda had not issued public statements at the time of publication. No arrests were reported.