Hundreds of farmers protested outside the Co-Op distribution centre in Andover yesterday over a proposed drop in milk prices.

Almost 300 farmers from around the country descended on the town's site last night with an army of six tractors, in a bid to raise awareness of the issue that they say could bankrupt dozens of dairy producers.

The group lined up outside the centre at the new Andover business park, with some demonstrators travelling from as far afield as Kent and Somerset to take part in the rally.

The peaceful protest was organised by Farmers for Action (FFA), who have already staged similar events at the Dairy Crest plant in Derby and the Muller Wiseman facility in Shropshire over the last fortnight.

Both companies are set to join the Co-Op in paying farmers less for their milk, as of November 1.

Hampshire co-ordinator for the group, Bruce Horn, said: “Companies have been cutting prices since May by anything up to about seven pence a litre and another company is trying to cut by another three per cent next month.

“There will be bankruptcies if this is allowed to continue.

“Forty nine dairy herds disappeared in September because they couldn’t afford to produce milk at the price it’s currently being sold for at the moment.”

The FFA is also upset at one unnamed retailer’s decision to remove British cheddar cheese off the shelves in place of “cheaper” Irish cheddar.

Mr Horn believes swift action must be taken to give the UK’s farmers a chance.

He said: “Seven companies are making cuts on November 1, if we can stop that it will be a start.

“Then we can start to work on increasing the price from there.”

A spokesperson for The Co-operative Food said: “The Co-op is a leading supporter of British farming. The terms of our milk pricing agreement ensures that farmers who supply our business always receive above the market rate. In addition, we seek to reward our dairy farmers who meet best practice standards, and in the past year we have paid a bonus amounting to £4.5M to those who achieved these.”