GALLERY: Over 50 tractors attend ‘go-slow’ protest in Suffolk

Farmers from across East Anglia are taking one lane of the carriageway between two big roundabouts near Felixstowe Port until 4pm. Suffolk Police are in attendance to coordinate the rally. 

One of its organisers, Russel Abbott, who farms on the Shotley Peninsula, told the protesters gathered at Walk Farm in Levington: “I’m sure you’ll agree that our farms, our way of life, and our countryside in general mean so much to me as it does to each and every one of you who turned up today. 

“We decided on today’s date because of the 500 tractors already heading to London, and many other protests around the country that are also taking place. 

“I think this shows just how much this Budget and other issues within farming are affecting each and every one of us.” 

READ MORE: East Anglia farmers will take part in ‘go-slow’ tractor protest

Food imports issue 

Mr Abbott added that the location of the protest, Port of Felixstowe, offers the chance to push the point forward about the lack of parity on import standards. 

“Food is being brought into this country, produced using methods long since banned, and many rightly so in the UK. 

“Consumers are being led astray through branding, using fake farm names to lead them to believe they are buying British UK produce. How can this be allowed to continue in a world where food, health and food safety should be at the forefront of any government’s policy? 

“I don’t believe that anyone here that wants a free ride within this industry. If farmers are paid a fair price for their produce, that not only covers the cost of production, but allows farms to reinvest for the future and maintain a quality of life, that shouldn’t be a luxury but a necessity.” 

Another farmers’ rally is taking place at Whitehall today, with about 500 tractors set to drive through London.

Read more about farming protests in our politics hub.