FARMERS turned up in numbers for a head-to-head with visiting Agricultural Minister Jeff Rooker this week. The Minister was in Lancaster to discuss agriculture and food safety with representatives of Pye Farm Feeds in Caton Road. But scorers of hard-up local farmers pressed the minister to do more to protect the farming industry which they claim is being "crucified."

Farleton farmer and Lancaster NFU branch chairman, John Towers, took the farmers' message to the Minister during a demonstration on Monday.

He said: "We were keen to make Mr Rooker aware that just because the protests at the ports have gone away the problems facing Britain's farmers have not.

We are not crying wolf and not asking for hand-outs. Britain's farmers are facing their worst crisis for 50 years. The beef export ban, the strong pound and our Government's refusal to put us on a level playing field with the rest of Europe is crucifying the industry."

Local farmers claim they face bankruptcy and financial ruin and Mr Towers added: "If this Government allows this crisis to continue then it will not just be farming which will be affected but rural communities as a whole. Businesses which support us are already feeling the affects of the crisis and we need the Government to listen to make sure that something is done to help keep Britain farming."

Lancaster MP Hilton Dawson was at the demonstration to fight the farmers' corner.

He said: "Understandably there are a lot of strong feelings about the issues facing farmers and the Minister took time out to listen to them. I strongly support local farmers who are currently in a difficult position but we've got to get the message across that British beef is the best in the world."

Minister Jeff Rooker is confronted by the farmers

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