MPs launch inquiry into plummeting farmgate prices

A powerful group of MPs has launched an inquiry into falling farmgate prices and called for evidence on how businesses had been affected.

The cross-party Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) Committee said that it wanted to hear about the impact on dairy, meat and arable farms.

It also called for views on measures that could be taken to improve prospects for the agriculture industry.

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An Efra spokeswoman said: “This summer has seen direct action by farmers in protest over falling dairy and meat prices.

“For many farmers, falling prices paid for their products, including wheat, lamb, beef and pigmeat, are leading to an uncertain future.

She added: “Changing global markets and national conditions have made prices volatile.

“EU, UK government, and the policies of individual retailers and processors have had a significant impact on prices paid, while consumer choices also shape markets.”

And she called for written submissions on the sectors and locations where falling farmgate prices are affecting farmers and the main causes of price reductions.

Other areas where the committee wants to focus its attention include:

• the short, medium and long-term impacts on the dairy, meat and arable sectors
• the government’s role in backing farmers and which UK nations had been effective, or ineffective in their support
• what support processors and retailers should give to UK farmers and produce
• the effectiveness of the Groceries Code Adjudicator Act 2013 in ensuring fair and stable prices

How to take part

Submissions must be a self-contained memorandum in Word or Rich Text Format (not pdfs) using the Farmgate prices written submission form. Paragraphs should be numbered for ease of reference, and the document should, if possible, include an executive summary.

The deadline for written submissions is 12 October 2015.