Defra has implemented a key recommendation from Baroness Batters’ farm profitability review by making the decision to move responsibility for the GCA (Groceries Code Adjudicator) from the Department for Business and Trade to Defra on 1 July 2026.
The Groceries Code Adjudicator was established under the Groceries Code Adjudicator Act 2013 to enforce the Groceries Supply Code of Practice.
The role is held by Mark White, and helps ensure the UK’s largest grocery retailers treat their direct suppliers lawfully and fairly.
“It’s important that the GCA and ASCA work closely together to foster a unified strategy to proactively address unfair practices.”
NFU President Tom Bradshaw
The NFU supports the vital work of the GCA in regulating and improving trading relationships between suppliers and retailers and ensuring the GSCOP (Groceries Supply Code of Practice) is not breached.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw said that moving the role into Defra alongside the ASCA (Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator) “reinforces a commitment by government highlighted within the farm profitability review to continue its work on supply chain fairness which is a top priority for all farming sectors”.
He added: “It’s important that the GCA and ASCA work closely together to foster a unified strategy to proactively address unfair practices. This will help create a more collaborative and equitable marketplace, enabling our farmers to invest and create resilient farm businesses.
“With the significant inflationary pressures being faced by farming and growing businesses driven by the energy crisis and war in the Middle East, this is a crucial time for supply chains to share the elevated risk.”
Joined-up approach
Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle said that moving responsibility for the GCA “will support a more joined-up approach to fairness across the food supply chain”.
GCA Mark White said: “I am looking forward to working more closely with Defra to continue to ensure fair treatment of direct suppliers to the designated retailers.”
Defra has said the GCA will remain fully independent, with no changes to its statutory role or enforcement powers. The GSCOP will continue to be owned by the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority).
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