Northern Ireland

Farmers hand out free milk in protest at falling prices

Farmers handing out free milk during a protest outside Belfast City Hall yesterday. Picture by Hugh Russell
Farmers handing out free milk during a protest outside Belfast City Hall yesterday. Picture by Hugh Russell Farmers handing out free milk during a protest outside Belfast City Hall yesterday. Picture by Hugh Russell

Dozens of farmers handed out free milk during a protest against falling prices at Belfast City Hall yesterday.

Campaigners called for European agriculture commissioner Phil Hogan to take action, claiming plummeting prices are putting farmers' livelihoods at risk.

The protesters included Enniskillen-born former Coronation Street actor Charlie Lawson, who runs a farm shop in England.

Sinn Féin assembly member Oliver McMullan, who also attended the protest, said the European Commission must ensure farmers get a fair price.

"With milk prices falling farmers and producers working in the dairy industry are facing serious challenges," he said.

"Dairy farmers need urgent action from Europe and the EU commissioner Phil Hogan should raise the intervention price so farmers get a fair price for their produce."