UK farming unions are calling on major retailers to support the industry following “challenging and disruptive” weather conditions.
In recent months, British farming has seen exceptional rainfall and storms which have impacted the livestock, arable and horticultural sectors and disrupted individual businesses throughout the country.
In a joint letter on behalf of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), NFU Scotland, NFU Cymru and Ulster Farmers’ Union, the groups are urging for major retailer commitment to support the industry.
The letter states: “These challenges come at a time when many of our members are already struggling to remain viable due to the perfect storm of sustained and spiralling production costs, low market returns, and increasing levels of regulation.
“This latest challenge, whilst not new, is more acute than ever, and is compounding the pressure on our members.”
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It adds that while the unions are “in discussions with respective governments on further support,” it also recognises “the important role which retailers have to play”.
They are asking major retailers to implement a steadfast commitment to local sourcing, to respond “promptly to any request” from its members for a review of the terms of their contracts, including on price, as well as flexibility on product specification if produce does not fully conform to the exact description previously agreed.
The unions are also asking for rapid payment of suppliers and that retailers continue promotional efforts to support local suppliers.
In recent months, Morrisons, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, Ocado, Co-op, and most recently Tesco, have all launched dedicated ‘Best of British’ pages on their websites in a bid to make it easier for customers to shop British grown and produced food.
The letter concludes: “It is no exaggeration to say that the current challenges are some of the most acute the industry has faced in a very long time, and we need your support more than ever to maintain food production across the UK and safeguard our food security.
“Our members will continue to work tirelessly in the face of this latest adversity to maintain their high standards of production and welfare that your customers have now come to expect. We now urge you to support our members’ efforts.”
