Morrisons agrees to pay farmers more for milk - will shoppers?

After weeks of supermarket protests by farmers across our region, Morrisons has agreed to start selling 'Milk for Farmers' - a new milk brand costing an extra 10 pence per litre, for shoppers who want to support farmers.

The company has been in talks with the National Farmers Union today, after a protest last week in which dairy farmers blockaded the supermarket's distribution centre near Bridgwater, calling for a fairer price for their product.

The supermarket says the extra money for the new brand will go directly back to the farmers, and that it will promote the brand in its stores, offering customers the chance to choose local milk or go for the cheaper option.

Speaking after today's meeting with Morrisons, the president of the National Farmers Union welcomed the move, but said that farmers were still struggling, and that there was more to be done.

The union says it is waiting for responses from other major retailers.Asked if farmers' protests against retailers and supermarkets would continue, David Handley of Farmers For Action said direct action would be kept up - but not against Morrisons.