Archbishop John Sentamu said last Wednesday that supermarkets do not value the contribution the agricultural sector makes to national life.
He made his comments in the same week that dairy farmers in the UK blockaded major milk processing plants in protest at supermarkets' refusal to pay the cost of production for milk.
Farmers have warned that increasing cuts would force them out of business.
Dr Sentamu said: "The economic climate has made it very difficult for many British farmers, with dairy producers in particular bearing the brunt of poor prices. As consumers, we have got to be prepared to pay a fairer price for what we are getting. I know everyone is feeling the pinch in their pocket during this long recession, but how can we expect to pay less for our milk than say a bottle of mineral water or cola?"