Shropshire farmers tell Prince Charles about the challenges facing dairy industry

They were among 91 dairy farmers and their partners from across the UK that gathered at Highgrove on Monday, where they met the Prince of Wales and were able to tell him about some of the challenges farmers are facing and how his initiative is making a difference to help farmers stay in business.

Martin Jones of Llansantffraid was at the meeting representing the Welshpool group, which has been part of the dairy initiative programme for more than two years.

He said he enjoyed meeting The Prince of Wales and seeing Duchy Home Farm, the mixed organic farm near Highgrove.

Prince Charles is actively involved in the farm.Mr Jones said the prince was interested in the challenges that were being faced by farmers, with falling milk prices forcing many to operates at a loss.

And he said it was a great chance for farmers to meet together and share their own situation.

He said: "It's been good to get to know the other farmers in my group better, and see how Home Farm is made commercially viable," he said.

"This is my first time as a member of a discussion group.

"We milk around 130 cows and have a couple of hundred sheep. I hope my business can progress and benefit from picking up hints and tips from all the farmers in the group sharing ideas."

The Prince's Dairy Initiative is inspired by The Prince of Wales' long-held concerns about the future sustainability of UK dairy farming. It is delivered by his charity Business in the Community in partnership with sector body DairyCo and now has the commitment of all major UK dairy processors and feed companies.

Stephen Howard, chief executive of Business in the Community said "Dairy farmers are key to a thriving rural economy and the lifeblood of prosperous rural communities."

The milk industry is in crisis with seven farms closing each week and the total number of dairy farmers has dipped below 10,000 for the first time.