The NFU is calling for urgent reform to the UK’s combinable crop supply chain, warning that without fairer treatment for producers, the long-term survival of many arable farms is at risk.
The union made the call as it announced its official response to Defra’s review into supply chain fairness, following a consultation launched in December that aimed to address long-standing concerns in the industry.
The NFU argues that farmers continue to face unequal power relations in the market and is campaigning for the crop industry to align with reforms already introduced in dairy and pig farming.
Defra’s consultation sought views on issues including contract clarity, standards, sampling and testing procedures, supply volumes, data sharing and dispute resolution.
The ministry said equity within agricultural supply chains was a key priority and it expected proposals to support clearer contracts and stronger protections for producers.
NFU Combinable Crops Board Chair Jamie Burrows said the review was a valuable opportunity to bring about lasting change.
He called it a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring about positive change in an industry that has disadvantaged producers for far too long.”
“This is about the survival of our farm,” he said.
Burrows said arable farmers often face the greatest risks, from volatile input costs to unpredictable markets and difficult weather, while accounting for the smallest share of final value.
Producers are almost always the “shock absorbers” in the supply chain, he warned, especially when disputes arise over grain specifications, point deductions or quality checks upon receipt.
In response, the NFU is calling for reform of the AIC 1 Contract, which governs most grain sales from farms and sets the terms between producers and buyers.
The union is calling for clearer definitions, a fairer balance of power and greater transparency, including ensuring that buyers cannot change contracts unless explicitly agreed to at the time of each sale.
It also calls for changes to grain sampling procedures, saying farmers need to be more involved and able to take representative samples before or during loading.
The NFU said this would ensure fairer payment decisions and provide independent evidence in the event of a dispute.
Another key request is for instant feedback of intake data to be a requirement for all contracts, allowing farmers to quickly respond to specification issues before additional loads are delivered and incur additional costs.
Mr Burrows said the union’s response reflected widespread concerns among producers.
“Our response…outlines the urgent need to ensure markets operate with integrity and transparency, where data is shared openly and fairness is promoted,” he said.
He added that clearer and more consistent contracts are essential for farmers to make long-term decisions and invest with confidence in the future of the industry.
“The long-overdue cultural change will help establish a more resilient, prosperous and profitable UK arable sector,” he said.
Defra is expected to consider its response to the consultation before setting out the next steps in its agricultural supply chain review later this year.
