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

10 years on: What has changed for farming a decade after Brexit?

10 years on: What has changed for farming a decade after Brexit?

On the tenth anniversary of the vote to leave the European Union, Cedric Porter takes a look at the changes in the industry since the referendum

Cedric Porter
clock 23 June 2026 • 7 min read
'Just saying you do not want [a bad outcome for primary producers] does not mean it will not happen', says Efra chair

'Just saying you do not want [a bad outcome for primary producers] does not mean it will not happen', says Efra chair

Efra Committee chair Alistair Carmichael raised concerns about price caps and warm words at the Royal Highland Show and said the announcement of price caps on essential items in supermarkets was causing 'a lot of anxiety'

Alex Black
clock 22 June 2026 • 2 min read
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer resigns

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer resigns

Nominations for a leadership contest will start on July 9

Rachael Brown
clock 22 June 2026 • 3 min read