A FARMER from Bradworthy, is urging as many people as possible to take part in a march to London later this month.

The ‘Farming to London March 2016’ is being held by Farmers For Action on Wednesday, March 23.

The event is billed as a ‘celebration of farming’, but will also be an opportunity for farmers to convey what they feel are the challenges in all sectors.

Michael Shadrick, who farms at Bradworthy, is one of the local area co-ordinators for Farmers For Action.

Mr Shadrick told the Post of some of his concerns, such as with imported goods, and said some were ‘purely packaged in the UK, and labelled as a UK product, when clearly it isn’t.’

He added: “There are some discrepancies with labelling of imported goods.

“They are importing goods from abroad to create a false surplus in this country.”

Giving New Zealand legs of lamb as an example, he added he would ‘like to see a tariff when British lamb is in season’.

“The British public have shown they do want British. I think the public are behind us and appreciate what we do.”

Referring to the recent protests at Morrisons supermarkets over milk prices, Mr Shadrick added: “It did make a difference — the supermarkets did step up to the plate and came up with new initiatives.”

Farmers For Action hopes as it is the last sitting of parliament and the last Prime Minister’s Questions before the Easter recess, there will be many MPs in London during the march.

Mr Shadrick, who is keen for as many farmers as possible to travel up to London, added: “I feel this may be the only opportunity this year for people to do something and make a difference.

“We as an organisation get together and think what can we do to make a difference. We are not out for causing trouble for the sake of it. Hopefully this will open up a dialogue with the government.”

The march is expected to assemble at Waterloo Place, SW1, at 11am, before making its way to Trafalgar Square, where marchers will be able to talk to the public and hand out various marketing material.

The march will then continue down Whitehall to Downing Street, where a small delegation will be given access to No 10, to present a letter to Prime Minister David Cameron, outlining their concerns for the industry.

Mr Shadrick said the message he wants to take to London is: “David Cameron and your Conservative Government — do you want a British agricultural industry, and if you do, what are you going to do about it?”

A coach will be setting off from Holsworthy Mole Valley Farmers store car park at 5am on March 23. To book a place, contact Marisa Gale on 01769 576219.

Those interested in attending the march from the A30 Launceston to Okehampton areas are asked to call Harper’s feeds, Holsworthy on 01409 254300 for more information on transport.

Those interested in attending from the A39 Bude to Bideford areas should call Tamar Milling on 01288 341111.