Early payments for Morrisons suppliers to help offset coronavirus impact

Farmers, local foodmakers and other small businesses will receive early payments from the supermarket to help mitigate the potential impact of coronavirus.

Hannah Binns
News Reporter
clock • 1 min read
Early payments for Morrisons suppliers to help offset coronavirus impact

Farmers, local foodmakers and other small businesses will receive early payments from the supermarket to help mitigate the potential impact of coronavirus.

The faster payments will support the company's 1,750 farmer suppliers in dealing with cash flow problems caused by the coronavirus, such as manufacturing disruptions and staff shortages as a result of sickness.

Morrisons have also reclassified smaller 'goods for resale' suppliers as those with a Morrisons turnover of £1 million or less per annum, meaning an extra 1,000 small food businesses will qualify for the new immediate payment.

Chief executive of Morrisons, David Potts, said: "We are Britain's biggest single foodmaker and we want to be there for the smaller foodmakers, farmers and businesses that supply Morrisons.

"We're a British family business and we will be doing our best to support them through this challenging period."

Environment Secretary, George Eustice, welcomed the measures to support farmers and food producers in their ‘vital work of feeding the nation.'

He said: "We already have a highly-resilient food supply chain in this country and I am continuing to work closely with Morrisons and other retailers on their response to coronavirus.

"The Government has pledged £30 billion in this year's Budget for those affected and we have been clear that we will do whatever it takes to support people and businesses."

Morrisons will write to suppliers to inform them of the changes and plan to start processing payments this week.

Payments are expected to last until the end of May before the situation is reviewed.

More on Arable

Rising pest risks: How the Met Office Is helping to safeguard UK crops

Rising pest risks: How the Met Office Is helping to safeguard UK crops

The UK temperature is rising and that brings the risk of new pests becoming established in the UK, posing threats to agriculture and forestry warns the Met Office

clock 10 February 2026 • 2 min read
No comeback for mancozeb as Emergency Authorisation ruled out

No comeback for mancozeb as Emergency Authorisation ruled out

A decision has been taken not to proceed with an Emergency Authorisation application for mancozeb

clock 09 February 2026 • 2 min read
Why proactive oilseed rape canopy management is needed this spring

Why proactive oilseed rape canopy management is needed this spring

With excellent establishment, few reports of cabbage stem flea beetle damage and a mild autumn, many oilseed rape crops are much more advanced than usual

Farmers Guardian
clock 09 February 2026 • 2 min read