The NFU has been campaigning hard for government to review fairness in the crops supply chain and bring the sector in line with the dairy and pig sectors.
Growers are being encouraged to engage with the consultation which will be open for eight weeks.
Defra has said the consultation 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 department said that fairness within the agricultural supply chain is a 'key priority' for the government.
Imbalance of power
Responding to the launch of the consultation, NFU Combinable Crops Board Jamie Burrows said: ”For too long, there has been an imbalance of power within the combinable crops supply chain, with growers being treated unfairly and shouldering the largest burden of risk.
“That’s why we have been campaigning hard to persuade the government to tackle unfair practices, so growers have a stronger voice, better protection and fairer returns for the food they produce.”
Fairness in the supply chain is one of the NFU Combinable Crops Board’s six key priorities and forms a key cornerstone of the board’s ‘Harvesting Growth’ strategy for building a stronger future for combinable crops.
“As we set out in the NFU’s Harvesting Growth strategy, this must include clear, fair and transparent contracts which would boost farm business confidence and allow us to make informed business decisions which would help improve profitability and drive long-term investment and growth,” Jamie added.
Have your say
NFU members have said there is a lack of transparency and fairness within the supply chain, with growers bearing most of the risk despite receiving the smallest proportion of value.
Jamie added: “We are an important part of a farming industry that delivers for the nation’s largest manufacturing sector, food and drink. I’m confident that, through this consultation, we can make the crops sector stronger and more resilient, where fairness and trust are paramount so UK growers can continue producing sustainable food for 70 million consumers.
“We will be consulting widely with our members to get a range of views that will form the basis of our submission to government. Arable farmers should also fill in the survey and ask fellow growers to do the same. This is a fantastic opportunity to set out our case for a change of culture to build a better future for the UK combinable crops sector.”
Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle said “farmers should have confidence that the contracts they sign are fair and transparent and work as they should”, adding that the consultation is “a chance for growers to tell us where changes are needed in their supply chain”.
The NFU will gather the views of its members through various formats, including online webinars and regional board meetings. However, the most important action members can take is to complete the consultation directly on the government page:
