The UK farming unions have called on major retailers to support the industry during this difficult time of extremely disruptive weather.
The exceptional rainfall and damaging storms have impacted livestock, arable and horticultural farm businesses across the country.
In a joint letter, NFU, NFU Scotland, NFU Cymru and Ulster Farmers’ Union seek major retailer commitment to support the industry during this difficult time.
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.
“Farmers and growers continue to bear the lion’s share of the risk within their supply chains, and this is unsustainable. We are in discussions with our respective Governments on further support to assist the industry in navigating these short-term challenges, but we also recognise the important role which retailers have to play in helping the industry to withstand this latest crisis.”
The UK Unions ask major retailers to implement the following measures in support of their members:
- Steadfast commitment to local sourcing: Honouring existing sourcing commitments with local suppliers and sending a clear signal of support to give comfort at a time where our members’ wellbeing is already under severe strain.
- Fair Supply Chains: With average food prices in the UK already some of the lowest in the world despite members producing it to the highest standards, retailers are asked to respond promptly to any request from our members for a review of the terms of their contracts, including price.
- Flexibility on product specification: In the face of these unprecedented challenges it is possible that producers may now not fully conform to the exact specification previously agreed. Retailers are urged to show understanding and flexibility in these circumstances; our food will still be produced to exceptionally high standards of quality and safety.
- Rapid payment of suppliers: One of the immediate short-term implications for producers is the pressure on cashflow due to the increasing costs of animal health, feed and labour. Therefore, retailers are asked to ensure rapid payment to suppliers across the supply chain to help members to keep their businesses functioning.
- Promotion of local suppliers: Retail customers already have a solid commitment to supporting local suppliers. The unions ask retailers to continue their promotional efforts in support of local suppliers.
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.”