MP complains at meat price 'gulf'

Welsh farmers are not receiving a fair price for produce

A Welsh MP has voiced concern at the huge differences between farm gate prices for meat and those paid at the supermarket checkout.

Newly-elected Brecon and Radnorshire MP Roger Williams - whose constituency has been hard-hit by foot-and-mouth - said he intends to raise the issue with the Office of Fair Trading.

Roger Williams MP: 'Blatant profiteering'

Mr Williams has accused meat processors and supermarkets of "blatant profiteering" at the expense of farmers.

"The evidence is now overwhelming, in my opinion, that the big meat processors and retailers are taking ruthless advantage of the fact that overseas markets for meat and livestock have been cut off by the foot-and- mouth outbreak.

"This has resulted in lamb prices falling to just £1.50 per kilo paid to farmers at the farm gate, yet the price of lamb is now up to over £12.00 per kilo on the supermarket shelf."

Farmers and consumers are losing out badly

Roger Williams, Brecon and Radnor MP

Mr Williams said retailers' claims that there was now a shortage of supply of meat products - pushing prices up - was "rubbish".

"The fact that farm gate prices are so low proves it," he said.

"If there was a shortage, as the supermarkets have claimed, the farm gate price for meat would be higher."

Fair trade: Farmers have faced huge setbacks this year

Mr Williams said the activities of the major retailers needed to be investigated thoroughly.

"We need to know why the consumer has seen no benefit whatsoever from low farm gate prices for meat. Farmers and consumers are losing out badly."

Meanwhile, the Meat and Livestock Commission, meeting in Aberystwyth, is expected to warn that farmers will have to wait at least 12 months before they can resume exporting their produce.

The MLC is supporting a campaign for farmers to remain vigilant against the virus spreading and further delaying a return to selling their produce.