Protests by farmers against foreign imports of food are underway in the UK. Tractors are reportedly lining up on roads outside Dover, where farmers are protesting the sale of British produce at a cheaper price than it was made. The protesting farmers have stated that their intent is to raise awareness through their demonstration, not to cause disruption.
Officials from Kent police have revealed that they are currently responding to an incident of “slow-moving vehicles” at Jubilee Way, which is one of the major roads leading to the Port of Dover. Port of Dover Police are set to collaborate with them in ensuring everything is under control.
Farmers in France have also staged similar protests in earlier weeks, with tractors blocking routes into Paris. They cited falling incomes, environmental regulations, and competition from imports as their reasons. Polish, Hungarian, Spanish, and Belgian farmers have also been involved in similar demonstrations.
Yew Tree Farm’s Jeffrey Gibson revealed on social media that he was protesting food trade deals that are impacting local farmers. He claims that supermarkets are already selling British food below their cost of production, and farmers will stage the protest at the Port of Dover featuring their tractors. Gibson went on to reveal that some 30 tractors had gathered around the port’s roads but were “dispersed” due to road blocks set up by the police. Farmers are requesting government intervention to look into the unfair treatment of farmers, stating a desire to compete with imported foods containing illegal chemicals. Gibson has stated that this protest forms the beginning of something much larger, unless the government begins to step in and address their concerns. A truck on site even displayed the slogan, “No More Cheap Imports
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