Farmers advised to respond to crops fairness review

With just over a fortnight left before the deadline, arable farmers are being urged to respond to Defra’s consultation on fairness in the UK combinable crops supply chain, amid concerns that engagement has so far been low.

The consultation, which closes on 4 February 2026, seeks views on how contracts operate for crops such as wheat, barley and oilseed rape, including pricing transparency, testing and sampling, data sharing and dispute resolution.

However, Farmers Weekly understands that only about 200 responses have been submitted to date.

See also: Defra review targets fairer returns for growers

Industry leaders warn that failing to respond risks a missed opportunity to reshape long-standing imbalances in the supply chain.

Martin Williams, a third-generation arable farmer who farms 800ha near the River Wye at Fownhope, Herefordshire, and an NFU council member, said growers must seize the moment.

“With the importance of agriculture and quality food never more important, and with difficult geopolitics, it is good that Defra is now willing to look at practices within the supply chain to enable fairness,” he said.

“Growers require confidence and clarity to manage risk. Hopefully, this is part of finding it and a welcome consultation.”

Defra says the review could inform new rules on clearer, fairer contracts, helping ensure farmers understand how prices are set and receive a transparent return.

The department argues that improved fairness is vital to the resilience of domestic food, feed and fuel production.

NFU Combinable Crops Board chairman Jamie Burrows has described the consultation as a “real opportunity to reset the balance of power” in a sector where growers often shoulder the greatest risk while receiving the smallest share of value.

Farmers and others across the arable supply chain are being encouraged to respond directly via the Gov.UK consultation page before time runs out.