AN East Lancashire farming leader has told livestock producers they can still make a profit, even amidst the disease outbreaks that have blighted 2007.

National Farmers' Union livestock chairman, Thomas Binns, who farms at Downham in the Ribble Valley, believes movement restrictions imposed because of foot and mouth disease and bluetongue have highlighted the precarious situation which livestock farmers are facing.

Many farmers are reporting lamb prices are less than half what they were last year.

Mr Binns said: "I remain convinced that there is sufficient value within the red meat supply chain for farmers to receive a fair price for what they produce.

"This price should not only cover the cost of production but provide sufficient income to allow business to reinvest for the future.

"Farmers need to understand the supply chains within which they are working, what the market wants and how much it will cost to produce it."

Farmers are invited to a meeting at Lancaster Market on Tuesday, starting at 7.30pm, where Mr Binns will talk about prices and also address similar issues.