British public feel farmers are 'not getting a fair deal' for their produce

New research has revealed the British public feel farmers are not paid fairly for the food they produce.

The Food, Farming and Countryside Commission (FFCC) published a report on Monday (September 25) which found 88 per cent of people surveyed believed British farmers were not being paid a farm price for their work, while 71 per cent thought supermarkets receive a good deal from the current food system, and 45 per pent said farmers get a bad deal.

Riverford's chief executive Guy Singh-Watson had created a petition earlier this month to reform the grocery supply code of practice - with over 45,000 signatures (as of September 29) - which has called on supermarkets to ‘get fair about farming' over contractual agreements and payments with farmers.

NFU president Minette Batters said there needed to be a holistic approach across the industry in order for farmers to receive a fair deal.

"Our ability to produce homegrown food is critical to our nation's security and success," Ms Batters added.

"But farmers and growers continue to face significant challenges, including high input costs, global instability and extreme weather.

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"The NFU has long called for greater fairness and transparency in the food supply chain, and farmers and growers need the confidence to invest in their businesses now and into the future.

"Defra's reviews into dairy and pigs, along with the upcoming reviews into the egg and horticulture supply chains are crucial in identifying measures to deliver greater fairness and creating an environment where farm businesses can thrive.

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"It is critical the entire industry works together to ensure the continued availability of the high-quality and nutritious homegrown food British farmers produce."

FFCC's report also found 53 per cent of respondents felt the rising cost of food was their major concerns.

Farming Minister Mark Spencer said there would be a review into fairness in the horticulture supply chain - a commitment Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made during the Farm to Fork Summit earlier this year - to give farmer's a ‘fair price' for their produce.

"British growers are crucial to the resilience of our food system, and we know they are facing pressures given the impact of the war in Ukraine on input costs, as well as global market volatility and the challenges of our weather," Mr Spencer added.

"Our new farming schemes will support growers to produce food profitably and sustainably, including £600 million in grants for equipment and allocating 45,000 seasonal workers this year and next to ensure growers have the workforce they need to put fresh produce on tables."

Sue Pritchard, chief executive of FFCC, described the survey as ‘extraordinary' which showed the public wanted the Government and businesses to ‘level the playing field for everyone'.

You can find more about FFCC's report here.

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