A PROPOSED increase in the cost of red diesel has provoked a furious response from farmers in the two counties.

The price of the fuel, used primarily to run farm machinery such as tractors, could rise by around 2.5 pence a litre as a result of an EU Directive passed last week to cut sulphur content.

Local farmers have warned it could be a final nail in the coffin of an industry still reeling from foot-and-mouth and BSE.

"It's a good idea and I'm very much in favour of cleaning up the environment, but the industry cannot afford it," said Michael Evans, of Ryall Grove, in Upton-upon-Severn.

"In other industries we could pass the cost on to our customers, but we have to compete in a global market."

Kevin Hammett, of Malt House Farm, in Upton-upon-Severn, agreed.

"It's absolutely appalling and the Government and the National Farmers' Union (NFU) should be doing an awful lot more," he said.

"What will happen, ultimately, is that there will be a shortage of food in the next couple of years."

Andrew Medcalfe, of New House Farm, Guarlford, near Malvern, said he hoped the increase could be delayed or stopped, as it would substantially increase his running costs.

"It won't hit me as bad as it will arable farmers. It will be crippling to them."

Fred Simcock, of Woodfields Farm, Coddington, near Malvern, said the increase was something farmers could do without. "There's no justification for it as far as I can see. How are we supposed to keep our costs down when things like this happen?"