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Farmers set to stage a second protest over market conditions following first effort in Dover

Farmers are set to stage a second protest over market conditions after their first effort almost brought traffic to a halt near a port.

On Friday, February 9, farmers descended on Dover.

Farmers will protest again after their first efforts in Dover on Friday
Farmers will protest again after their first efforts in Dover on Friday

They said their produce is being exported out for low prices while unsafe produce is being imported in.

A tractor convoy arrived at the Port of Dover in a move designed to cause travel disruption.

Demonstrators gathered at various locations on roads outside the town, with police officers on standby at the docks.

The disruption lasted from about 5pm until 8pm.

The demonstration, understood to have been arranged by word of mouth, comes as Europe's farmers ramped up protests against EU measures and rising prices, with blocked roads reported in Belgium, Spain, Poland and Hungary.

Tractors descended on Dover on Friday
Tractors descended on Dover on Friday

Farmers on the continent have said they also faced heavy regulation, powerful and domineering retailers, debt, climate change and cheap foreign imports.

Many argue the EU agricultural system is based on the premise mass production is cheaper and better.

While most protests have been in France, similar action has been taking place in a host of countries including Italy, Spain, Romania, Poland, Greece, Germany, Portugal and the Netherlands.

Today, protestor Sadie Howland confirmed farmers would be taking action again.

The owner of SP Howland, who farms off Iffin Lane near Canterbury, says she is disgusted by the way the government has treated her family, who have farmed for 100 years and believes the public needs to be educated about what’s going on.

“There is going to be further action but at the moment, we’re unable to comment on where and when,” she told KentOnline.

“Once it’s all in place we will start to let everyone know.

“We had quite a few opinions at our meeting last night – there was about 50 to 60 farmers there. It was a really good meeting.

“We’ll keep going until someone listens.”

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