Frontier Agriculture has told Defra that for changes to combinable crop contracts to work in practice, confidence in producers needs to be strengthened.
The Agriculture and Grain Trading Group has drawn on its experience of working with over 14,000 producers and a wide range of grain customers across food, feed and export markets to submit a response to the Government’s consultation on contracting practices in the UK’s combinable crops sector.
As fluctuations in weather, logistics and market demand continue to put pressure on producer decisions, Defra is seeking feedback on whether current contractual arrangements support fair, transparent and resilient supply chains.
Frontier said its proposals focus on practical measures that can help producers better understand risks and consequences, while recognizing the operational realities of rapidly changing supply chains.
The report emphasized the importance of clearer standards and contract terms and argued that accessible and consistent information would help producers make informed decisions when consigning grain.
The company also pointed to the role of consistent sampling, testing and intake processes, saying recognized standards and good practice are central to the reliability of results upon delivery.
Increasing transparency around data was another theme, with Frontier saying timely access to information helps producers understand decisions made as grain moves through the supply chain.
It also provides clearer routes for dispute resolution, and says producers need confidence that if an issue arises, it will be raised and quickly resolved.
At the same time, Frontier cautioned against reforms that could introduce unintended burdens, saying any changes should be proportionate and implementable for all parts of the supply chain.
Diana Overton, managing director of Frontier Agricultural, said the consultation was an opportunity to bring operational experience into the policy process.
“This is an important opportunity to share evidence and constructive feedback on how contracts work in practice across the supply chain,” she said.
He added: “We support producers in their efforts to improve clarity, consistency and reliability, while recognizing the need for a supply chain that is always responsive to weather, logistics, customer demand and quality standards.”
Frontier said it believes this consultation provides an opportunity to maintain the efficient movement of grain and improve resilience without reducing the flexibility needed to meet quality requirements.
The company said producers and grain customers will be watching closely to see how Defra responds as consultations move towards a conclusion that could shape future contracting practices across the sector.
