Defra has launched a consultation over contract practices in the combinable crops sector. It says the initiative builds on its Fair Dealing programme of reforms to trading in the dairy, pig, egg and fresh produce sectors.
The consultation is UK-wide, conducted by Defra in collaboration with the Scottish Government, Welsh Government and DAERA. The AIC welcomes the consultation as an opportunity for the whole arable sector to provide its views on contractual practice in the supply chain.
The eight-week consultation, launched on 10th December, will seek views on issues such as clarity of standards; sampling and testing procedures; supply volumes; data sharing; and dispute resolution. to inform proposals for clearer contracts and fairer treatment for producers.
Defra says fairness within the agricultural supply chain is a key priority for the government and integral to food security. The consultation seeks to ensure that farmers always receive a transparent price for their produce and understand which factors determine it.
“This consultation is a chance for growers to tell us where changes are needed in their supply chain,” comments Defra farming minister Dame Angela Eagle.
“The action forms part of the government’s New Deal for Farmers and builds on Fair Dealing rules already introduced for dairy and pigs, with work under way for eggs and fresh produce. The government is committed to tackling contractual unfairness wherever it exists through its Fair Dealings Regulations, which are enforced by its Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator.
“The launch of the consultation also complements wider work to protect farmers in trade deals, strengthen supply chain resilience, lower costs for consumers, and deliver a thriving, innovative food sector through the Good Food Cycle,” Dame Angela concludes.
“Whilst the Agriculture Act can only focus on those immediate buyers of arable goods from farmers, AIC encourages the entire arable supply chain to respond,” says AIC head of combinable crops Rose Riby. “Combinable crops form a vital part of the UK’s agricultural economy and food system. From farm to end user, the supply chain involves a diverse network of growers, merchants, processors and manufacturers, all operating within a globally competitive market.
“The arable supply chain has a long tradition of using written contracts between farmers, buyers and end processors across the whole supply chain. Clear and consistent contracts are used to ensure the safety of food, feed and fuel markets; provide clarity to buyers and farmers; and offering flexibility in the market – allowing British crops to be traded internationally as global demand requires.
“The combinable crops sector operates differently from other markets which Defra has reviewed – such as pigs, dairy or horticulture, sectors with perishable goods that often rely upon aligned contracts with end markets. The arable sector also differs in that buyers and processors are often separate entities, whereas in meat and dairy they are frequently the same,” Ms Riby observes.
The consultation ends on 4th February 2026. More details and online submissions via the Contractual Relationships in the Combinable Crops Sector – Defra – Citizen Space website.