Emerson’s launches offer to support struggling farmers

Emerson’s Supermarket in Armagh has launched an initiative to assist farmers struggling during the milk price crisis.

The family-owned store has announced it will donate 10p to a farming charity when customers buy two litres of Dale Farm milk in the store.

The funds raised will be donated to Rural Support – a charity which offers a support service to farming families.

The challenges being faced by local farmers, as a result of volatility in global market conditions, means many families fear they could lose their businesses by Christmas.

Gavin Emerson, owner of Emerson’s Supermarket, said many of his customers are families of dairy farmers who are struggling so as a business he decided to take practical action to help.

He said: “The current market for liquid milk is impacting negatively on dairy farmers and their families. No business person wants to get up out of bed knowing they are getting up to lose money.

“Many of these hard working families are customers of ours so we feel a duty to do something which offers practical support to an organisation which helps and supports families needing it.

“We hope by making a 10p donation that our customers will get behind the initiative and show a hand of support for the people who work so hard to put milk on our tables. We hope other businesses can see a way in which they too could help support families who are in need.”

The move by Emerson’s has been welcomed by the Ulster Farmers’ Union and by Rural Support.

Ian Marshall, the president of the Ulster Farmers’ Union, said: “This is a positive step towards giving back to the farming community.

“By donating money to Rural Support, Emerson’s are giving back to the agricultural industry in an uncomplicated way, through a charity that significantly helps the rural community.”

Farmers experiencing financial stress can contact Rural Support on 0845 606 7 607.

Pictured is Gavin Emerson, owner of Emerson’s Supermarket with Kerry Hughes and Jude McCann from Rural Support along with Ian Marshall, president of the Ulster Farmers’ Union