Fair Price Farming NI has held a demonstration at the European Commission’s office in Belfast to highlight the problems facing the dairy industry.

Approximately 60 protesters were present as a letter was handed over to head of the Commission’s Northern Ireland office, Collette Fitzgerald.

The letter was addressed to Farm Commissioner Phil Hogan and stated that problems in agriculture were affecting the wider economy and society in NI.

A cow on a halter was brought off a trailer and stood outside the office as the protest was going on.

Representatives from Fair Price Farming NI spoke publicly to those gathered. Charlie Weir addressed demonstrators beforehand and then Garry McHenry read out the letter. Johnny Matthews concluded the demonstration, thanking farmers for attending the protest.

Speaking afterwards, Matthews said: “Farmers are the ones taking the hit for many decisions made in Europe. For example, the Russian embargo has nothing to do with us, but yet we are the ones suffering at the end of the line.”

Matthews pointed out that profitability issues in the dairy industry were having a negative impact throughout the country, particularly small- and medium-sized businesses that rely on the agriculture industry.

Today’s protest happens a day ahead of a demonstration at Stormont organised by the Ulster Farmers’ Union which aims to highlight low profitability in the supply chain and the importance of the NI Assembly to the local agriculture industry.