THE mass meeting of farmers at the Royal Welsh Showground tonight is a sign of desperation.

Oct 23 2007 by Steve Dube, Western Mail

They are furious that a Government responsible for a foot-and-mouth outbreak that had such dramatic effects on livestock prices should shrug off its responsibility.

Their anger is understandable. The Government’s response is in dismal contrast to the billions paid out by the Bank of England, no doubt with sanction from the highest level, to bail out the self-inflicted damage at Northern Rock.

Government is apparently prepared to do what it takes for the producers of money in the City, while leaving the producers of food to fend for themselves.

The rise in costs makes matters much worse. It is not Hilary Benn or Gordon Brown’s fault that the wet summer affected fodder crops and the price of feed. But their refusal to recognise the effects of that unrepaired drainpipe in government-owned buildings at Pirbright makes them a target.

If they really do believe in fairness and the principle that the polluter should pay, it is not too late to remedy the mistake.