On Tuesday evening, hundreds of dairy farmers gathered outside Adams Foods' manufacturing centre in Leek to protest about their sourcing of Irish cheese after a drop in farm gate milk prices.
Karen commented:
"Although Adams is a fantastic local employer that is very keen to sell British cheese because of the high demand for it, I do understand the concerns of the farmers who took part in the demonstration because they are struggling again with low milk prices.
"Ministers worked hard in 2012 to bring key industry players around the table to negotiate the Voluntary Code of Practice which offers producers flexible contracts and gives them a chance to find better deals elsewhere, but this time, there are very different reasons for the dip in value.
"I know it will be little comfort to those farmers who are suffering today that global demand for dairy looks good and will rise in the long-term, so I am pleased that the Government, retailers, processors and other industry stakeholders are in discussion behind the scenes to try to help those who are bearing the brunt of low prices in the meantime.
"I have always campaigned for a fair price for milk and I will continue to do everything I can to raise the concerns of my constituents in Parliament."
Picture courtesy of dan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net