Thousands urge action over ‘unfair’ supermarket buying

More than 5,000 people across the UK have written to their MPs calling for urgent government action to protect farmers from unfair supermarket buying practices and to safeguard the future of British food production.

The letters add to growing pressure on the government to address what farmers describe as a severe imbalance of power between retailers and growers.

Supporters are urging ministers to strengthen regulation of the food supply chain to prevent practises which they say are pushing smaller producers to the brink.

See also: New £500,000 fund backs Scotland’s small food producers

Farmers and campaigners are calling for the groceries code adjudicator (CGA) to be strengthened and for the creation of a single regulator overseeing the supply chain from growers to supermarkets.

Some 86 MPs have signed an early day motion supporting the merger of existing watchdogs, which are currently split across two government departments.

Worsening relationship

Research commissioned by organic veg box company Riverford found 69% of farmers surveyed believe buying relationships with retailers have worsened over the past two years, while 76% said the existing regulatory system does not protect them from unfair supermarket practises.

Three-quarters said a single regulator would ensure fairer treatment.

Almost all respondents reported experiencing unfair practises such as cancelled orders, late payments and unprofitable pricing.

Apple grower Richard Stogdon, from Sussex, said the relationship between growers and supermarkets has “substantively deteriorated”, adding: “We take enormous risks in growing these crops.”

Third-generation farmer Jonathan Hoskyns said he has stopped supplying supermarkets altogether. “I don’t miss the stress and I don’t miss the worry of not knowing what our fruit is worth until it has all been sold.” 

High-profile backing

The campaign has attracted backing from high-profile figures, including chef Rick Stein.

He said: “British farmers deserve fairness and a sustainable system to grow and produce our food – they are the backbone of our food culture in this country.”

The call for reform is being led by Riverford’s #GetFairAboutFarming campaign, which continues to encourage the public to write to MPs in support of stronger, joined-up regulation.