100,000 people have joined Riverford Organic Farmers’ #GetFairAboutFarming campaign to call the Government to protect farmers from unfair behaviour. The Government have announced a debate on the issue and Sustain are asking the public to write to their MPs to attend the debate.
Riverford Organic Farmers has reported that 49% of farmers fear going out of business next year, 75% of which cite supermarket pressure as the main factor. With more than 95% of our food sold through just 10 retailers, farmers' options are severely limited when negotiating contracts and determining their produce's market. Recent research from Sustain has shown that producers often receive less than a 1p share of the total profits for their produce.
This has been cited as a driving factor for negative mental health in the farming community, with a recent NFU survey showing that 61% of farmers said unfairness in the supply chain was negatively affecting their mental health.
Vicki Hird, Strategic Lead on Agriculture at The Wildlife Trusts said:
"Farmers are price takers, facing an incredibly competitive environment among retailers. This debate on supply chain regulation is so critical. For farmers to have a chance of farming with and for nature and tackling climate change, they need fair and responsive buyers at the farmgate - strong and effectively enforced regulation is key."
Sustain are calling on people to email their MPs, asking them to engage in the debate, scheduled to take place on January 22nd in Westminster Hall, and advocate for two key changes to the way the supply chain is regulated:
- The Groceries Code Adjudicator to be empowered to take a more effective and punitive stance against unfair practices.
- Retailers must (1) buy what they agreed to buy (2) pay what they agreed to pay, and (3) pay on time. These three principles should be embedded into the Groceries Supply Chain Code of Practice (GSCOP).
Will White, Sustainable Farming Coordinator at Sustain, said:
"Small family farms are the bedrock of the countryside and a big part of our national identity. They also have a vital role to play in restoring nature and mitigating climate change. Without more fairness in the food supply chain - good farming will always be on the brink of financial viability. The upcoming debate is a real opportunity to spur policy makers to act on food supply chain fairness. The more well attended the debate, the more likely this is to happen. Please do use our E-action, which will allow you to a send a letter to your MP, asking them to attend the debate."
Get fair about farming - urge MPs to attend parliamentary debate
Published Monday 18 December 2023
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
