Arable farmers asked to share views on unfair practices in combinable crops supply chain
10th December 2025
A consultation into unfair practices in the combinable crops supply chain has been launched today following the release of a review into supply chain fairness.
Growers are now being encouraged to engage with the consultation, which will be open for eight weeks.
DEFRA said that improving fairness will help ensure resilient domestic production and support the long-term health of the food system.
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.
Farming minister Dame Angela Eagle 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.”
Imbalance of power
NFU said that the consultation is a real opportunity to address the current imbalance of power and give arable farmers a stronger voice and fairer terms.
NFU Combinable Crops board chair Jamie Burrows added: “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.
“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.
“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.”
NFU confirmed it will be consulting widely with its members to get a range of views that will form the basis of its 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,” Mr Burrows concluded.
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