Farmers block Sainsbury's Basingstoke distribution centre in price row

Pictures have been shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, of a group of farmers, their vehicles and supporters outside the centre on Houndmills Road. 

They arrived at the centre on October 13, just after 7pm and stayed several hours. 

The movement is part of a nationwide protest organised by a campaign group called Proud to Farm that operates under the X handle @agriads. 

Picture by @farmersweekly / MAG (Image: @farmersweekly / MAG)

The campaign has been building momentum since being launched by former farmer Martin Fox in August. 

Speaking to Farmers Weekly, he said the campaign, originally set up to help raise awareness in farming as well as to build pride within the sector, has been seen him inundated with support and positive feedback.

Its associated website proudtofarm.co.uk currently displays a countdown timer to its launch scheduled for Sunday, October 15 at midnight. 

It has been active on social media, with a post earlier this week calling for groups to meet at supermarket distribution centres across the country on October 13. 

A post said: "Farmers and public will unite on October 13th @ 7pm. We will put a stop to unfair pricing for farmers Great British Produce for the Great British public. We would love your support." 

Another said: "The time is now for the public and farmers to unite. Farming is an essential part of our society and we are losing it. Fairness and transparency are a future for our sons and daughters, let's save farming together. A video with locations across the UK will be available shortly. We need your voice." 

credit @farmersweekly / MAG (Image: @farmersweekly / MAG)

Basingstoke residents who saw the protest gave it their support. 

One said: "Farmers blocking the Sainsbury distribution centre right now in Basingstoke protesting against unfair pricing. Tractors everywhere. Well done local farming community." 

One X user, called Museums and More, said distribution was held up at the centre by an hour.  They also said that Hampshire police had suggested farmers ask the National Farmers Union to talk to the supermarkets to 'resolve this'.

Farmers have been blockading supermarket depots tonight for series of UK-wide demos organised by Proud to Farm @Agriadsuk. This protest was held at @Sainsbury depot in #Basingstoke

Their simple message to retailers: 'Pay us a fair price'#NoFarmsNoFood pic.twitter.com/Cw9OGEZN4I

— Philip Case (@PhilipCaseFW) October 13, 2023

Protest - fair money for farmers! @sainsburys @Agriadsuk @kenyanpigfarmer pic.twitter.com/w9KR6G2oyy

— Museums and More (@Museums_MoreRBK) October 13, 2023

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “We can confirm a small group attended our Basingstoke distribution centre last night for a brief time and left peacefully.”