FDOM24 (The Fair Dealings Obligations (Milk) Regulations 2024) came into force on 9 July 2024, after more than a decade of NFU campaigning for fair and transparent contract reform.
Following a transition period of 12 months, all milk contracts will need to be compliant with the new regulations by 9 July 2025.
Legal briefing
NFU members can log in to read our legal teams’ deep dive into the provisions contained in the legislation.
The briefing highlights key provisions relating to matters such as pricing, notice periods and termination provisions.
Dairy contract regulation – the story so far
Our dairy contract timeline shows a snapshot of the NFU's campaign for fairer dealings in the dairy supply chain, dating back to 2007.
Or, take a closer look at how we responded to the government's 2020 consultation and our five key points to dairy contract reform.
NFU support
NFU Farmer and Grower members can access the NFU's Contract Checking Service, offered by the NFU's panel firms of solicitors, in association with the Legal Assistance Scheme.
The Legal Panel Firms will provide a fixed fee quote for carrying out an initial review of a contract and producing a report, based on your objectives and requirements.
The fee will vary depending on the length and complexity of the documents, but prices can start from as little as £275 plus VAT for the initial report.
If you wish, the panel firm will also be able to consider the contract in more detail and assist with the renegotiation of specific terms, as well as advising on the implications for your business – this later stage will be charged at the firm’s standard hourly rate, minus a 12.5% discount for NFU Farmer and Grower members.
LAS (Legal Assistance Scheme) subscribers can apply for a contribution of £250 per contract, up to a maximum of four contracts at £1,000, from the NFU’s Legal Assistance Scheme as part of the contract checking package.
The panel firms will be able to advise on all aspects of a contract, including whether it is compliant with the new regulations.
NFU members can obtain free initial legal and professional advice via NFU CallFirst on 0370 845 8458.
