Four UK farming unions are urging all dairy farmers to make their voices heard and speak up for a more effective and fairer supply chain in the forthcoming Government consultation on dairy contracts.
The organisations, which include National Farmers’ Union, NFU Scotland, NFU Cymru and Ulster Farmers’ Union – have reiterated their support for regulated contract terms and will be extensively consulting with members when the consultation is issued.
In a joint statement, the dairy farmer representatives of the four unions said: “For too long dairy farmers have shouldered too much of the risk in the dairy market and in many cases have been subject to unfair contract terms and trading practices.
“As outlined in the GCA [Groceries Code Adjudicator] review published in February, there is clearly an imbalance of power within the dairy supply chain.
As we await the Government’s consultation on dairy contracts to be issued, in order for us to understand the proposals in full, we are using this time to consult with our members extensively.
“We want to understand their views on dairy contracts and our final responses to that consultation will reflect our members’ views.
“We are all keen to constructively engage with industry and Government to deliver the improvements we all want to see.”
The unions listed better legal protection for suppliers as well as more balance between who carries the risk – for example, price volatility – within the industry, among their demands.
“Together, we want to see flexible and innovative regulation that delivers fair terms for farmers and an equitable balancing of risk between farmers and buyers.
“We have been exploring a range of legal mechanisms to achieve this, including looking at Common Market Organisation (CMO) legislation as well as other legal powers that the Government might use to achieve effective regulation.
As we leave the EU, the UK dairy market needs to be fit for purpose; commercially-focused, innovative and competitive.
“It is vital that we have a properly operating dairy market where risk is shared across the supply chain.
“Dairy farmers need to be in a strong position to develop professional and sustainable relationships with their buyers while operating to fair trading terms.”
