Academics at the University of Leicester are looking for participants for a new research project looking at the fairness of the supply chain of fresh fruit and vegetables in UK farming.
Recent incidents within the UK food supply chain indicate instances of unfair practices and highlight the need for a thorough review of fairness in this context. The Government is looking at how to promote fairness in the UK food industry between supply chain partners such as large grocery retailers, farmers or growers and their intermediaries. The study considers the UK food supply chain, particularly the fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain, to be appropriate because of the limited local production of fresh fruit and vegetables and the reliance on imports, despite the large amount of land available for cultivation, indicating a lack of resilience in the supply chain.
The research project is also motivated by the recent farmer protests that took place in late 2023 and early 2024, which focused on the need for greater fairness for farmers and the drive for ethical change in the UK food industry.
They are looking for farmers who are producing fresh fruits and vegetables in the UK and who are or previously suppliers to large retailers in the UK. All data collected will be handled with the utmost confidentiality and anonymity based on University of Leicester’s guideline and used solely for academic purposes.
To participate or learn more, please click here.
