THE National Farmers' Union this week launched a 'Farming Counts' campaign across Yorkshire and the north-east to explain to the public the difficulties farming is facing and what they risk losing if farming continues to decline.

On Friday, farmers will be demonstrating throughout Northallerton to highlight the fact they receive only 9p for every pint of their milk that is sold.

"We want to tell people about the importance of farming and what they will lose if it continues to shrink at its current rate," said NFU regional information officer Rob Simpson.

"This is not a whinge. We are trying to increase public understanding of the range of issues currently affecting the farming industry and to outline the value of the industry to Britain. This campaign will also highlight the unacceptable difference between farm gate and retail prices.

"Farmers are being paid a fraction of the price paid for food in the shops. We are not asking for a rise in retail prices, just a fairer share of the pie."

As part of the campaign, on Monday, Yorkshire farmers concerned about another FMD epidemic demonstrated at a Hull ferry terminal to highlight the continuing risks from illegal food imports.

They also met with Hull's chief port health inspector Laurence Dettman to discuss the problems.

Mr Dettman said: "There is ample evidence across the country of a flourishing trade in illegally-imported animal and plant products through our sea and airports.

"This must be prevented to avoid the obvious serious risks to animal, plant and public health.

"We are determined to play our part in preventing devastating epidemics of foot and mouth disease or other animal diseases."

Updated: 11:12 Wednesday, September 11, 2002