THERE should be no need for food banks with farm prices the lowest in many years. Every commodity we produce being at rock bottom.

Milk, eggs, beef, cereals, potatoes etc at well below production costs. There are so many processes to go through before food reaches the plate and we in farming are keeping all these going.

Supermarket price wars do not help the producer. Milk, for instance, in one supermarket at 65p per pint and 45p in another, within a few yards of each other, with the producer squeezed to the limit by such actions, all inducements to attract customers.

Sugar too, with such variation, is a scandal, with price cuts to beet growers. Single farm payments being a monetary saviour for some farmers, according to my bank manager – and they should know.

Tenancies now of five years duration are another deterrent to farm stability. It is a very concerning time in our industry. Food should be priority for consumers.

Pamela Frankland, Hull Road, York.