Arable farmers are set for stronger protections under a new
government review into unfair practices in the combinable crops
supply chain, Farming Minister Dame has announced.
The work of the sector, covering crops such as wheat, barley,
oilseeds and pulses, underpins domestic food, feed and fuel
production. Improving fairness will help ensure resilient
domestic production and support the long-term health of the food
system.
An eight-week consultation, launched today (Wednesday 10
December), will seek views on issues such as clarity of
standards, sampling and testing procedures, supply volumes, data
sharing and dispute resolution, to inform proposals for clearer
contracts and fairer treatment for producers.
The consultation looks to ensure farmers always receive a
transparent price for their produce and understand which factors
determine it. Fairness within the agricultural supply chain is a
key priority for the government and integral to food security.
Farming Minister Dame said:
Farmers should have confidence that the contracts they sign are
fair and transparent and work as they should.
Our strong food system needs to be built on solid foundations
with farmers treated fairly. This consultation is a chance for
growers to tell us where changes are needed in their supply
chain.
By improving clarity and ensuring fair and transparent contracts,
we're backing British producers through our Plan for Change,
strengthening our food security and supporting a resilient future
for the sector.
The action forms part of the government's New Deal for Farmers
and builds on Fair Dealing rules already introduced for dairy and
pigs, with work under way for eggs and fresh produce. The
government is committed to tackling contractual unfairness
wherever it exists through its Fair Dealings Regulations, which
are enforced by its Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator.
The launch of the consultation also complements wider work to
protect farmers in trade deals, strengthen supply chain
resilience, lower costs for consumers, and deliver a thriving,
innovative food sector through the Good Food Cycle.
Following recent reforms and continued collaboration with
devolved governments, this latest step will help build a more
transparent and competitive supply chain that benefits farmers
and the public alike.
