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    NFU calls for government help with retail practices

    UK farming unions want government intervention in ensuring longer contracts, fairer risk management and better labelling.

    Farming unions have called on the government to oversee a “seismic change” in how food is sold by ensuring longer

    A joint statement issued today (11 August) by farming bodies across the UK said government needs to admit that “something has gone fundamentally wrong in the supply chain”.

    It claimed that, in general, voluntary codes are not sufficient and said government intervention in retail and supplier practices is needed to ensure the future of the British supply chain.

    Retailers also came under fire as the group said retailers should be able to demonstrate that all their producers are being paid a fair price.

    “Government needs to take action to ensure that contracts to all farmers are longer-term and fairer in apportioning risk and reward. At the moment in many contracts, all the risk is put on the farmer with very little of the reward,” the statement from NFU, NFU Scotland, NFU Cymru and Ulster Farmers Union said.

    “Government also needs to urgently ensure that rules are put in place regarding labelling so that it is clear and obvious which products are imported and which are British. We are all looking for government to ensure that British products are marketed abroad and that new markets are opened up for our high quality British food.”

    The call to arms comes ahead of a 7 September emergency meeting of EU council of agriculture ministers. “We are calling for UK ministers to stand up for British farming at that meeting. In particular ensure that European safety nets are at a proper level and do something to underwrite the short term credit position of vulnerable farmers,” the statement continued.

    Praising the British public for its support of home-grown produce and food, the statement claimed that unless grower returns are sustainable and retailers promote British food and label it properly “the future of UK supply is at risk”.

    “We would urge farm ministers across the UK to meet urgently. They need to admit that something has gone fundamentally wrong in the supply chain and take remedial action,” the group said.

    Addressing Britain’s farmers, growers and food producers, the statement said: “We know that many of you are going through desperate times and we are working on your behalf. Keep being visible. Keep the British public on our side.”

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