EXCLUSIVE - John Milne: 'Farmers are expected to adhere to high animal standards while being condemned to an unfair market structure'

The Horsham MP said the current food system makes it nearly impossible for farmers to sell food profitably outside supermarket contracts, making it incredibly difficult for people to access locally-produced food in the process

clock • 3 min read
Liberal Democrat MP John Milne said: "When supermarkets wield such concentrated buyer power, they can force farmers to accept prices below the cost of production, delay payments, and cancel orders at the last minute. Incidents that, unfortunately, are becoming standard practice in a broken system."
Image:

Liberal Democrat MP John Milne said: "When supermarkets wield such concentrated buyer power, they can force farmers to accept prices below the cost of production, delay payments, and cancel orders at the last minute. Incidents that, unfortunately, are becoming standard practice in a broken system."

The struggles facing farmers trapped in supermarket supply chains could not be starker. 10 supermarket chains currently control nearly 97% of the UK's grocery market, which gives them tremendous power...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358
Register for free Join Now

 

fg buy and sell
VIEW ADVERT

Quivogne APX TL Trailed Disc Harrow.

Quivogne APX TL Trailed Disc Harrow.

VIEW ADVERT
£POA
VIEW ADVERT

2019 AMAZONE 3M COMBINATION

2019 AMAZONE 3M COMBINATION

VIEW ADVERT
£POA
VIEW ADVERT

Logic MFT120 trailed flail topper

Logic MFT120 trailed flail topper

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

More on Politics

Farmers reiterate concerns as Holyrood passes Land Reform Bill
Politics

Farmers reiterate concerns as Holyrood passes Land Reform Bill

NFU Scotland president Andrew Connon said the focus must remain on ‘how land is used, not who owns it’

Alex Black
Alex Black
clock 06 November 2025 • 3 min read
From the editor: Farmers want to get on and farm
Politics

From the editor: Farmers want to get on and farm

This week from Farmers Guardian editor Katie Jones

Katie Jones
Katie Jones
clock 06 November 2025 • 2 min read
The Farmers Guardian podcast: Autumn Budget one year on - "Gov still says IHT will raise funds for public services but the numbers don't add up"
Politics

The Farmers Guardian podcast: Autumn Budget one year on - "Gov still says IHT will raise funds for public services but the numbers don't add up"

This week's guest host Ben Aveling, along with FG's Alex Black and Jane Thynne, discuss IHT one year on from the Budget. Where are we 12 months later?

Farmers Guardian
clock 05 November 2025 • 1 min read