Morrisons’ depots in Wakefield, West Yorkshire and Middlewich, Cheshire were blockaded by farmers last night in a protest over the price of milk.

The protesters claim that the cost of producing milk is rising and Morrisons has refused to pay more for cheese.

The grocer, which is supplied with cheese from farmers’ co-operative First Milk, said it was in discussions with the company.

It told the BBC: “It is untrue that we have a set position on what we are prepared to pay.”

Earlier this month, First Milk warned that the price paid for cheese would have to increase “substantially and quickly” in order to support members’ milk prices.

More than 200 people participated in the demonstrations this week, according to organisers Farmers for Action. This follows a protest at a Co-operative depot near Derby last week.

First Milk said it had conducted “positive discussions” with Asda, Morrison and the Co-op during the past week.

Topics