Farmers Urged to Report Unfair Supply Contracts to UK Adjudicator

The UK's Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator (ASCA), Richard Thompson, published his second annual report on Tuesday, 3 November. He is urging farmers to bring concerns about their supply contracts to the office if they want fairer deals. The report summarises work with farmers and businesses in the milk and pig sectors across the country.

One case involved a dairy farmer who worried that contract terms might stop them selling surplus milk to other buyers. The office raised the issue with the processor without revealing the farmer's identity, and the contract was changed to confirm that surplus milk can be sold elsewhere.

Thompson said fairer supply chains begin with clear contracts, honest communication and a shared understanding of rights and responsibilities. In his view, raising concerns early can lead to better contracts and settle problems before they escalate.

No formal complaint needed

Producers can use the service without lodging a formal complaint. They can seek advice and raise concerns in confidence.

The report describes work with producers, processors and industry representatives to improve understanding of the Fair Dealing Obligations Regulations, to identify emerging concerns and to encourage better practice across agricultural supply chains.

Government position

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) says the adjudicator continues to promote fairer trading practices between farmers and purchasers. Farming Minister Stephen Morgan said farmers deserve a fair deal, clear contracts and a level playing field. He added that protections for dairy farmers are being strengthened.

Defra said the Adjudicator will keep working with the dairy and pig sectors, while preparing to support the development and potential introduction of fair dealing regulations in the egg sector.