The UK's Premier Agricultural Machinery and Technology Show

20–21 January 2027, NEC, Birmingham

Event Details

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

 

More on Politics

OPINION: SFI scramble leaves businesses facing income shortfalls and difficult decisions

OPINION: SFI scramble leaves businesses facing income shortfalls and difficult decisions

Deputy editor Alex Black reflects on the business impact for those missing out

Alex Black
clock 25 September 2026 • 2 min read
Rural vote could swing General Election as new poll shows Reform UK surge

Rural vote could swing General Election as new poll shows Reform UK surge

The latest MRP YouGov survey reveals Andy Burnham's party could lose 79 of its 139 rural seats if a General Election were held immediately

Jane Thynne
clock 25 September 2026 • 2 min read
From the editor: Fastest finger first is no way to fund farming

From the editor: Fastest finger first is no way to fund farming

This week from the Farmers Guardian editor Katie Jones

Katie Jones
clock 24 September 2026 • 2 min read