UK farming Unions are calling on major retailers’ commitment to support the industry during this difficult time in response to extremely challenging and disruptive weather this spring.
Exceptional rainfall and a succession of damaging storms have impacted arable and horticultural sectors and disrupted individual farm businesses the length and breadth of the country. No area of the UK has escaped with planting and field work all proving very difficult and bringing additional cost to the business.
In a joint letter on behalf of the NFU, NFU Scotland, NFU Cymru and Ulster Farmers’ Union, it seeks 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
- Fair Supply Chains
- Flexibility on product specification
- Rapid payment of suppliers
- Promotion 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.”
