Adjudicator calls for farmer views on supermarket practices

Farmers and growers have been asked to use an annual survey to inform the government about any unfair dealings with supermarkets.

The confidential survey of direct suppliers was launched this week by groceries code adjudicator (GCA) Mark White.

Producers have until 21 February to tell the GCA about any code issues they are facing and whether they are being treated fairly and lawfully.

See also: How ‘ethical’ poultry producers can achieve £5.50/kg

For the first time, the survey will also ask suppliers to provide positive feedback about retailers to promote practices that have worked well.

A second innovation will see pollster YouGov interview some suppliers after the main survey has closed to gather more detailed information.

Mr White stressed that the survey remains entirely confidential and urged suppliers to be as frank as possible.

“This survey will help identify the issues the groceries sector is facing, as well as guiding future work,” Mr White said.

“What suppliers tell me is particularly important, as this is my first year as GCA and the sector is still working under the challenges of Covid and Brexit.

“I am asking suppliers to be as frank as possible – their answers can help their businesses,” he added.

Last year’s survey painted a picture of improving relationships between suppliers and retailers.

Of the 1,500 retailer-suppliers, just over one-third (36%) reported code-related breaches by the supermarkets. This was a drop from 41% in the previous 12 months and the lowest result since the survey began in 2014.

Over that time, the proportion of suppliers experiencing code-related issues decreased dramatically from 79% in the first survey.

Only three retailers were rated below 90% for complying consistently well or mostly with the code.

Nine retailers were rated between 92% and 94%, with the highest at 96% and the lowest 81%.

In 2014, the percentage reported as complying with the code consistently well ranged from just 58% to 90%.