UK farming unions call for support from retailers amid weather crisis | Article

UK farming unions have called on major retailers to support the sector at a time of extremely challenging and disruptive weather.

Exceptional rainfall and a succession of damaging storms have impacted the horticulture, livestock and arable sectors, disrupting individual farms across the length and breadth of the country.

A joint letter on behalf of the NFU, NFU Scotland, NFU Cymru and Ulster Farmers’ Union has asked major retailers to commit to supporting the sector at 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 persistent and rising production costs, low market returns and increasing levels of regulation. Although this latest challenge is not new, it is more acute than ever and is increasing the pressure on our members.

“Farmers and growers continue to bear the lion’s share of risk within their supply chains, and this is not sustainable. We are in discussions with our respective governments about further support to help the sector deal with these short-term challenges, but we also recognize the important role retailers must play in helping the sector cope with this latest crisis.”

Specific measures

UK trade unions have asked major retailers to take the following measures to support their members:

• Firm commitment to local resourcesg: We ask that you honor any existing purchasing commitments you have made with local suppliers. Sending a clear signal of support to these producers would send a strong message and provide comfort at a time when the well-being of our members is already under severe pressure.
• Fair supply chains: You will appreciate that average food prices in Britain are already among the lowest in the world, despite our members producing it to the highest standards. We therefore ask that you respond immediately to any request from our members for a review of the terms of their contracts, including price.
• Flexibility in terms of product specifications: Producing food under these extreme conditions presents a significant challenge and our members will do their utmost to maintain their exceptionally high production standards. However, in light of these unprecedented challenges, what we produce now may not fully meet the exact specifications previously agreed. We urge you to show understanding and flexibility in these circumstances; our food will continue to be produced to exceptionally high quality and safety standards.
• Fast payment from suppliers: One of the immediate short-term impacts on our members is the pressure on cash flow due to rising animal health, feed and labor costs. Therefore, ensuring prompt payment to suppliers throughout the supply chain will significantly help our members keep their businesses running.
• Promotion of local suppliers: Your customers already have a solid commitment to supporting local suppliers and we know from our own recent research that their commitment is stronger than ever. We ask that you continue your promotional efforts to support local suppliers; we know that British consumers want to continue to enjoy the high-quality food we produce.

The letter concludes: “It is no exaggeration to say that the current challenges are some of the most acute the sector has faced for a very long time, and we need your support more than ever to keep food production in the UK and to safeguard our food safety. security. Despite these latest setbacks, our members will continue to work tirelessly to maintain the high production and welfare standards your customers now expect. We now urge you to support the efforts of our members.”