DEFRA to review unfair practices in crops supply chain
5th June 2025
DEFRA has just announced the launch of a new review into tackling unfair practices in the combinable crops supply chain to protect farmers’ businesses and incomes.
Announced today, 5th June as part of the government’s new deal for farmers, the review aims at ensuring that producers have clear, fair, and enforceable contracts – covering pricing, supply volumes, data, and dispute resolution. It will back British farmers to get a fairer return for the food they produce, DEFRA confirmed.
Environment secretary Steve Reed said: “British growers work incredibly hard to produce world-class food and deserve fair, transparent contracts that reflect that.
“This review is a major step forward in giving arable farmers a stronger voice, better protection, and fairer returns for the food they produce.
“We’re proud of the vital work farmers undertake every day to feed our nation, which is why we’re investing £5 billion – the largest ever budget for sustainable farming.”
‘Fairer deals for farmers’
The government said that it has already taken decisive action to secure a fairer deal for farmers.
This includes slashing costs and red tape for businesses who export to and import from the EU, making supply chains more resilient and helping reduce costs for consumers, and backing British food with investment and action – aiming for at least 50% of food supplied in public sector contracts to come from British producers or those certified to higher environmental standards.
The department explained that the action builds on reforms already made in other farming sectors, including the Fair Dealing (Milk) Regulations, which came into effect in July 2024, and the Fair Dealing (Pigs) Regulations have also recently received parliamentary approval.
“Collaborating with devolved governments, we will continue to develop a fairer, more transparent supply chain that benefits both farmers and the public,” a spokesperson for the government said.
A formal public consultation is set to be launched, giving farmers and other stakeholders the chance to share their experiences.
READ MORE: Former NFU president Minette Batters to lead farm profitability review
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