As British dairy farmers struggle to survive amid a milk pricing crisis, churches are being asked to support and pray for the industry.
Glasgow-based dairy company First Milk announced a two-week delay in payments to dairy farms last week, leading to concern for those who rely on it to make a living. According to the BBC, Union leaders have blamed the crisis for putting "extraordinary pressure" on farmers.
"The number of dairy farmers has halved over little more than a decade," said Arthur Rank Centre (ARC) CEO Jerry Marshall. "Prices are at their lowest since 2007 while costs have risen 36 per cent. On top of this, the recent announcement by First Milk that they are delaying payments by two weeks, presents significant cash flow difficulties to their suppliers."
The ARC, a Christian charity which resources rural churches and their communities, is therefore calling on Christians to pray for those affected.
"British Dairy farmers are facing an exceptionally difficult time," said Revd Elizabeth Clark, National Rural Officer for the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church.
"Give thanks for the vital food that dairy farmers produce, pray for those struggling because of the present low prices and pray especially for those famers who sell their milk to First Milk whose pay cheques have been delayed."
Canon Dr Jill Hopkinson, National Rural Officer for the Church of England, also stressed the importance of buying locally made, British produce and making sure that the farmer's are getting a good deal for the price the consumer pays.
"Churches can also support the industry by buying British dairy products," she explained. "When buying milk, butter, cheese and yoghurt look for the red tractor logo which tells you it is a British product.
"Church members could also show their support through choosing to buy milk from supermarkets that pay a fair price to farmers. Visit http://www.nfuonline.com/back-british-farming/news-channel/how-can-i-support-british-dairy-farmers/ to find out how."
The ARC has offered a suggested prayer for those wanting to support British farmers:
Loving God we give you thanks for all the food that is produced for us by farmers every day. We thank you especially for milk, a vital food, which we don't always fully appreciate. We pray for dairy farmers and the particular pressures that they face at this present time. We remember farmers under pressure because of low prices and late milk payments, may they know the peace of your presence. May we consumers never take our food for granted and may we value and support those who work tirelessly to feed us. This we ask in Jesus name, Amen.
